DEMAND TURBOTAX NOT TO DISCONTINUE CD FOR 2024 TAX YEAR

[massachusetts1]

I happen to see Turbo Tax 2023 CD is sold at Ebay.  You would need to search the specific program you need.  (I use Home & Business)   For Deluxe I saw for $20+.   Home and Business had a broad range.  And all state they are  New. 

Best.

[cordellmb]

I filled my 2023 back in Feb 2024.  For tax year 2024 it is download only.  It will be in store with a code similar to how Microsoft 365 is sold

[Q102]

Guess I'm moving on after 40 plus years, guess when all user financial information gets hacked then you'll learn

and definitely become obsolete. You're taken choice away from consumer, not that expensive to produce a CD

and distribute. 

[VolvoGirl]

@Q102   You can still use the Desktop program.  It is just delivered by download instead of CD.  Your info will still stay only on your own computer.    Even if you bought the CD before you could use the download method to install it. I always bought the CD from Costco. But last year for 2023 I bought the download from Costco online. Installed it real fast. It was the same as the CD. Most of the laptops and computers now don't have a CD drive. And I had to get a new laptop with Windows 10 to run Turbo Tax starting for 2022. 

The confusion is that the Online version is NOT the Download program. The Download program is EXACTLY the same Desktop program as the CD. You buy it the same way directly from Turbo Tax or in stores like Costco. When you installed the CD you still had to go online to update it. It's only the method you use to install it. Even when I bought the CD I used the download method to install it.

[vonpadraig]

I agree with others. I've researched and there is no other company that offers CDs. I also agree that the TurboTax CDs have done NOTHING more than launch a small downloader app that pulled the full software package down for installation. I've been using download only versions of TurboTax since tax year 2017. I just verified that I can download ALL versions now.

I can download EVERY single piece of software on my computer, anytime I want without issue. I know. I've had a disk failure and had to rebuild my computer. I also had a bad software I was experimenting with cause problems causing me to rebuild my computer. Downloads are always up to date at the time of download.

CDs containing the full app take much longer to install because you install outdated software only to have to run laborious updates. Additionally, there is always that PESKY CD that loves to fail at the most inopportune time of installation. Thankfully, over time, companies were switching to allowing the option to also download.

The only benefit (kind of) to having CDs is installing software without an internet (or very slow) connection. But at some point, you really want to update things and the sheer amount of download that WILL occur to update your apps will negate the benefit of having the CDs. Might as well download the program from the beginning.

[vonpadraig]

It is worth repeating. CD and download versions are identical. Well, not quite. The download is ALWAYS up to date when you pull it down. So now to installing, and fully up to date.... identical. People are confused. ... Identical. The app is installed on YOUR computer. Not magically in the cloud. You are only bringing down the installer.

Clicking on that link to open the app? Again, opening the installed app on YOUR computer.

Where are your data files stored? Again, on YOUR computer.

Identical in every way.

[massachusetts1]

"Clicking on that link to open the app? Again, opening the installed app on YOUR computer.

Where are your data files stored? Again, on YOUR computer.

Identical in every way."

This is good. Thanks again.

[imseeker]

Hmm, I read the whole thread with everyone stating - the download is identical.

I don't mind the change to download only, but identical?

The CD contained both the windows and mac version (on different partitions).

I use both systems. Does the download provide both versions (mac and windows)????

[cordellmb]

Last time I checked once u paid u can download both versions and use on multiple devices

[VolvoGirl]

@imseeker   Yes you can get both Windows and Mac downloads.  How to download your purchase to both Windows and Mac. See How to switch between Mac and PC/Windows with a CD or Download.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/how-do-i-download-the-software-i-purchased-at-turb...

[vonpadraig]

I concur with everyone's responses that YES the download version is IDENTICAL to the CD in that it allows install on windows and MAC.

I want to add a few things to this thread for everyone to understand on this:

#1) For a few years now, Intuit has limited authenticating computers to a maximum of 5 computers total

WITH ONLY ONE being actively authenticated at ONCE.
Does not matter if installed from download or from CD.
Does not matter if it is the same two computers, being authenticated back and forth, the fifth authentication is that.
As clarification, rebuilding your computer, the software usually recognizes your computer as being the same. If it doesn't you can call to fix the authentication issue.

#2) For MANY years, your license keys and the ability to download TurboTax has been linked to your Intuit/TurboTax account. Does not matter if you purchase direct from Intuit/TurboTax, from Amazon as download, or in a box with a key only or with CD. The keys AND download ability have ALWAYS been stored for your easy re-installation in TurboTax.
#3) Whichever platform you first install FIRST will be offered as your only option when you visit Intuit/TurboTax if you need to reinstall.

DO NOT DISPAIR. YOU CAN DOWNLOAD the other platform - There will be a link to enter your license and open the download of the other platform.
And best of all, you won't need to hunt for the license because it will be right there on the screen associated with your first installation.

[massachusetts1]

Thank you.  Especially about each year's  Key or ID#.  I was very concerned about this too, and the system or "cloud" losing these.   

Forgot to mention this in my earlier posts.

Thanks again.

[mchuber44]

I am a 79 year old woman trying to keep up with all of this technology and am upset that you are changing the game. You get use to one thing and I tried downloading once and could not do it so please change your mind for all of the elderly that have grown accustom  to filing this way. I hope a million people or more send in compliants. Any response would be appreciated.

[DoninGA]

@mchuber44 Once you used the CD to install the beta version of TurboTax, after the initial installation there are at least 25 updates or more to the software for the tax year, which are ALL downloaded to your computer.

If you have a problem downloading the software you purchase there is always TurboTax support to assist you along with all the members of this forum.