I always use Turbo Tax on a CD. Are CD's going to be available in 2024

[Solar Eclipse]

I have yet to see a clear answer to what users will be able to do if we ever need to re-install the product that is more than 3 years ago.  Especially given the last few years logging into a TT acct is required and now there is no longer a CD even included.

Let's use TT2024 Desktop as an example:

- If a user were to pay for the $10 for a CD (or were to download and burn their own CD if this is even possible), and the user also saved the 2024 manual updates file, then in 2029 would the user be able to install and run the 2024 software if needed?  Or has Intuit essentially imposed a 3 year deadline on the use of thier software on any machines other than the one it was initially installed?

SE

[Jack022]

Well as far as I am concerned : I bought and paid good money for a download> So; I will burn it to disc! If I don`t receive a cd copy I paid them for in 1 more week!

[baldietax]

@Solar Eclipse from what I've seen you would be able to install it but not activate it once it rolls off their 3 year support.  In 2020 I did manage to re-download and install TT 2018 and 2019 on a different Mac to refile for an issue, in 25 years of using TT that's the furthest I've ever had to go back to run an old version of TT.  It seems the 3 year support window is more aimed at refile window than audits.  Best thing to do is to save the full PDF with "all forms and worksheets" for your records when you're done with filing season.

[Solar Eclipse]

@baldietax

It doesn't surprise me you had luck getting the older 2018/19 working, but what about 2022 and onward? If we can no longer 'activate' the product after 3 years does that mean we cannot install and use the software after 3 years unless it's still installed on the original machine? 

We really need a definitive answer on this, the implication is we may be paying for software that is essentially just a right to a 3 year lease, and thereafter becomes unusable unless it's still installed on the original machine.  Or said another way, we need clarity on what exactly is required (the files and process) to be able to install and use the software after 3 years if needed.

SE

[Jack022]

That's the problem I have gone back I think it was around 6 or 7years for different people! I have used many different cd s and every time they update, or a t least check for one! You young people can have your downloads technology! Not for Me it appears you are going BACKWARDS, and don`t know it? I will go else where! 

[Solar Eclipse]

Well, TT makes it possible to download the manual updates.  So in THEORY as long as you download and save BOTH the application/download file and the manual updates file, then you SHOULD be able to install again at any point in the future.  HOWEVER, this would not work if online activation is required as part of the installation process and TT refuses to activate any longer after 3 years has passed. 

This process is what I'm trying to understand.  ARE WE NOW SIMPLY LEASING THE PRODUCT FOR 3 YEARS, AFTER WHICH IT BECOMES UNUSABLE EXCEPT ON THE MACHINE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED??

This subject probably warrants a separate post...

[baldietax]

@Solar Eclipse so it seems you can install old versions but won't be able to activate versions older than 3 years.

I have an old Mac with TT from 2015-2022 on it, I tried launching 2019 - it updated itself and runs fine (I was able to bring up an old tax return).  When I do a fresh install of TT 2019 on a new Mac it won't activate ("error code 630").

I did a fresh install and activation of 2022 on the new Mac along with 2023 & 2024, worked fine as I would expect, including software updates and state tax installation.

All the downloads and license keys are available from your Intuit account under Products and Billing, tho I did find for 2022 when I had purchased from Amazon it was not available to me on Intuit I had download it from Amazon again, but they keep your download history.

So yes consider it a 3 year license minimum, longer if the computer where it was activated lasts.

[Solar Eclipse]

@baldietaxThanks for experimenting.  Seems you confirmed the fear....unless a user keeps the original machine with the original installation in tact, the software is unusable after 3 years. 

[baldietax]

@Solar Eclipse quick clarification from the thread below that "for desktop the current year and three prior years are supported" i.e. 4 latest versions.  I was able to install and activate 2021 on my new Mac and open my old 2021 return.

I also tried 2020 just to check - I was able to install and activate it - but state would not install ("Hmm... it looks like we’ve hit a slight snag"), which prevents a .tax2020 with state filing from opening.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-why-can-t-i-find-the-basic-version-of-turbotax...