I purchased the TurboTax 2024 "online version" at Costco by mistake, I didn't realize it was the cloud based version. I actually want the "desktop version". Unfortunately I opened the box , registered the activation code on a new account with "TurboTax.ca/activate" thinking it was the the new way required to download a desktop version (since TurboTax stopped providing CDs in the boxes).
-- Is there a way for me to activate a downloaded "desktop version", or do I have to purchase a copy of the desktop version (and lose the money spent on the online version)?
If you purchased TurboTax from Coscto, there should be a link provided to download the program for Windows Desktop.
For TurboTax Online, you don't pay upfront, you pay when you file. You may need to Sign In to your Costco account to get the link, or it may be in an Email they sent you.
Are you in Canada? This is the USA forum. Here is the Canada forum
https://turbotax.community.intuit.ca/tax-help
FOR USA
When you buy at Costco it is still the Desktop program not the Online version. The Download is the same as the CD. It's just the method you use to install it. People are confusing the Download with the separate Online version.
How to get started with the US Desktop program, install and activate it
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-delivery/download-software-turbotax-com/L7u9oLEkq_US_en_US?uid=luqgvzrd