Dueling TurboTax Software!

[cfg318]

I've been a TurboTax customer for many, many years.  This year I purchased the annual Turbo Tax Deluxe software from Amazon which indicated that I purchased the federal and state software.  I completed my state and federal return using the software that I purchased from Amazon and not my documents are not filed/saved with the rest of my previous year's documents.  And, I had to pay an additional $25 to file my state return even though the Amazon software clearing stated it was for both federal and state returns. So now I have 2 different Turbo Tax software versions (?) that conflict.  What do I do to combine them and/or at least combine the documents?  What do I do next year?   

[xmasbaby0]

Why are you saying you have two versions?  What is the other one?  You say you used the download purchased from amazon.  And....there is a $25 state e-file fee with desktop Deluxe.  The software included the program to prepare the state return, but you pay a fee to e-file a state return---you can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state.

What are the "dueling" versions you are referring to?   Do you mean the way the returns are stored?   When you use online TurboTax software your returns are stored in your TT online account.  When you use desktop download software the returns are stored on your own hard drive or any back up device you used like a flash drive or an external hard drive.   

[SteamTrain]

Sounds like you purchased the "Desktop" software......for that software, that is actually installed on your computer.....it allows one state software to be free to download...BUT...-e-filing the state has been $20-to$25 for the last 25? years or so.  (though, you can print and mail in the state yourself for free at the post office)

BUT, it sounds like you are confusing the "Desktop" software, with the "Online" software.

The "Online" software is prepared by using a Browser (Edge, Chrome Safari..etc), and is not installed on your computer.    Yes....when using the Online software, and you buy the state...that includes the e-file....but the state has to be purchased separately.

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No....your Desktop prepared file is only stored on your computer...os back it up on a USB flash drive.

No....you cannot combined it with your "Online" documents that TTX stores....the software storage systems are completely separate.

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The desktop software has several advantages...you can see the forms at any time without paying more for it...you can prepare new tax files for working children, or a family member without starting a new account and paying the full software fees again.

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make sure you download PDF files form every old tax return you have in your Online account...and back them up.  The Online storage eliminates one of the oldest PDF files every successive year (TTX only saves ~7 years back)...if you don't that, then you lose access to what you did that year.

Again...back up the PDF of your tax return EVERY YEAR..to a USB flash drive.

[cfg318]

I have one (1) Turbo Tax account where all of my previous years' returns are stored - 10+ years!   The software I purchased from Amazon clearly stated that it could file and return both the Federal and State return and link to my existing Turbo Tax account.  I have always saved and printed a copy of all of my returns on my computer...even though I knew it was also saved on my Turbo Tax account in case anything happened to my computer/hard drive.   My question is whether I can combine my 2024 Turbo Tax return with my previous 10+ years returns in the Turbo Tax system?

[xmasbaby0]

@cfg318  If you have been using online TT for past years, then the returns are saved for seven years in your online account.  After seven years they are purged---same as the IRS.    But now you have switched to desktop download ----that tax return will only be stored on your own hard drive.  It will not be stored in your online account with the returns from the past several years.  It will be on your own computer and on any back up device you use like a flash drive.

[VolvoGirl]

No, but there is My Documents where you can upload it to store.  But that is a separate place.  Did you ever buy the Desktop CD program before?  Sounds like you used the Online web version before.  The Desktop is  different than the Online version.  Actually the Desktop program has more features.  But it is only saved on your computer.    It is not stored in your Turbo Tax account online.  It will save the actual program in your account so if you need to download or install it again like on another computer.  

DESKTOP
The Download Desktop program 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 efiles 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. And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

MY DOCS

My Documents might only be for the Online version.  

What is My Docs
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/small-business-processes/docstm/L0VlCWX5...

Access My Docs
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/small-business-processes/get-access-docs...

How to upload documents to My Documents, if you have a paid Online version
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-upload-documents-to-my-docs/00/26...