DEMAND TURBOTAX NOT TO DISCONTINUE CD FOR 2024 TAX YEAR

[Mike9241]

there is also online preparation. the downside is that you can't transfer any data from the desktop 2023 return to the online 2024 return. 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can transfer from the Desktop program prior return to the Online version.  If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version. You need to have the prior year .tax  file on your computer. Expand the link if you used the CD/download last year........
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/transfer-last-y...

[vonpadraig]

It cannot be stated enough that all previous years <=2023, The online was a DOWNLOAD for installing the desktop. Ergo, CD and online = identical.

In fact, take it one step further, for more than 10 years, ALL the CD executable did was initiate an mini app to initiate download of the ONLINE version.

[VolvoGirl]

@vonpadraig   NO NO NO.  The Online version is a separate program from the Desktop program.  The Online version you log into an online account using a browser.  It is not the same as the Download and is priced differently.   Do not confuse downloading the Desktop program with the Online version, just because you go online to download it.

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program on a full Windows or Mac computer (a desktop or laptop), which can do unlimited returns. And you can buy any version. All the Desktop programs have all the forms, you just get more help in the higher versions. And the Desktop program has many other features over the Online versions. Like seeing and entering into the actual forms. And it has a What-If worksheet to test in.

The Desktop returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 (March 1) to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

[VolvoGirl]

2024 Turbo Tax Desktop Download System Requirements
Windows 10 or later or Mac OS Ventura 13 or later
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/tta-system-requirements

Turbo Tax Online System Requirements
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/turbotax-online-system-requirements/00/25...

[danielrrojas]

Completely agree I want it on my cd.

[DoninGA]

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@danielrrojas wrote:

Completely agree I want it on my cd.

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Why?  The download is installed on your personal computer, just like the CD.

[vonpadraig]

I realized that all this time, I've been saying it wrong.

The argument is NOT that the download version is identical to the CD version.

The argument is that the CD version IS THE DOWNLOAD version.

The CD version does NOTHING more than activate downloading of the download version.

That is ALL the CD version does... Activate a downloader of the DOWNLOAD version. Nothing more.
Ergo, they are IDENTICAL.
They have been for many years.

[rellekl]

I do not want to download the software. I want the CD also.  I don't care about the box.  Am I able to save the software to a CD as a backup in the event I need to reload it at a future point and you no longer provide the download.  

[VolvoGirl]

@rellekl   Sorry, For 2024 they are only selling the download, no CDs. And if you have a Mac you need Ventura  13 Or newer

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/tta-system-requirements/ 

Did you read this whole thread all 4 pages?

[VolvoGirl]

Oh yes you can copy the download installation file to a CD.  But I would wait and download it again after you file so it has all the updates.   

[rellekl]

Yes I did.  

Has anyone who saved the .exe to an external device been able to reinstall it using that device?

I have 2 different computers that I use at any time so need to install it on both. This has never been an issue before.

And I have an external drive because I prefer to load software from a CD rather than download since there are always issues. I work as a developer and know the issues with downloaded software.

Seems this is just another way to increase profits and screw the customers.  Since no longer providing a CD it should cost less.

[SteamTrain]

Probably more useful in the future to copy the installation file to a USB flashdrive.

I noticed that for 2023, they also provided a downloadable state software file (once you had selected and used one). 

Of course. if you unexpectedly need to be able to use/reinstall 2024, say ~4 or more years from now, then TTX would have to change their License code acceptance procedures...because, under the current TTX policy, folks trying to install 2019 desktop cannot install it even with the correct license code.

[rellekl]

Considering you have to maintain tax records for 7 years longer if audited or getting divorced, Turbo Tax should allow reinstallation at any time.  After all, you did pay for the software.