Question about Turbotax Online

[Bobbo00]

2025 will be my first year using TT online; I have used desktop TT for 25 or so years. So, my question is, will I be able to download and save as a PDF file all forms, worksheets, etc. to my PC? How about the .tax2025 file?

Is there anything else I should know about?

Thanks

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can and should save the PDF file and .tax2025 to your computer when you are done.

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return per account.   Although you can use the same email address for 5 separate accounts.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

[xmasbaby0]

Yes you will be able to save a pdf of your return; you will also be able to print a hard copy.

When you use online TurboTax software you get one return per fee.

Each return needs its own account and user ID.   If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, the second one overwrites the first return and it is lost forever.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

Desktop software

Every version has all forms and schedules

Forms mode to see all forms as you work and “what if” feature 

Can e-file up to five federal returns and their associated state returns

If you have more than five federal returns the additional ones can be mailed

Tax file is stored on your own hard drive

Always available even after tax season ends

State e-file fee is an extra fee.   State can be mailed to avoid e-file fee

Desktop is more cost effective for multiple returns for family members, etc.

Desktop software is available from Intuit or from various retailers—prices vary

Only works on full PC or Mac—not on any mobile devices

Desktop --unless you specifically buy federal  Deluxe only from a retailer-- will include the software for one specific state.   You can prepare as many returns for that state as the number of federal returns you prepare.  E-filing state returns is an extra fee which can be avoided by printing and mailing the states.   Additional--other--state software is an additional fee for the software. Online Software

Online TurboTax

Forms and schedules supported vary by which version you use

No Forms mode, but you can “preview” Form 1040 and Schedules 1, 2, or 3 before filing

One return per fee

Separate fees for federal and state returns

Each return needs its own account and user ID

Tax file is stored in online account for seven years

Can be used on any device with internet access

 When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software.  You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones.  If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.

[baldietax]

this may be helpful if you are switching from desktop to online

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/uninstall-products/switch-turbotax-cd-do...