I think I bought the wrong program. Do I HAVE to buy the business software to file my small business expenses

[taxlady28]

• Yes.  Home and Business if sole propriership.  TurboTax Business if s-corp, llc, or partneship.

[am141404]

Thank you so much! After wasting almost 700 with another company's service, I have been refusing to pay for help again. I wasted a couple days before it dawned on me that I couldn't meld my other paperwork in with the stuff I had completed. Thank goodness I can finally get this done!

[xmasbaby0]

You are posting from online Deluxe.   That program cannot be used to prepare a Schedule C for business expenses.   When using online TurboTax, you need online Premium in order to prepare a return with a Schedule C.

But....several things you need to understand.    First---it is too late to prepare a return using online TurboTax now, and too late to e-file.    If you are still trying to prepare your 2023 return, you need to use the CD/download software on a full PC or Mac---not on any kind of mobile device.   Any version of the CD/download can be used to prepare a Schedule C; every version of the CD/download has all of the forms and schedules.  You get the most help with desktop Home and Business.

If you are self-employed or are a sole proprietor, you will be okay to use Deluxe, Premier, or Home and Business for your return.    If however, you have a business that is set up as an S-corps, C-corps, multi-member partnership----you need TurboTax Business---that is a different program which only works on Windows.   And the other bad news is that your TurboTax Business return was due in March so it is  late at this point and will be subject to late penalties and interest.

E-filing is now closed for 2023 returns.   A 2023 return will have to be printed, signed and dated and sent by mail.   If you do not owe or are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe tax due, you are subject to penalties and interest, for which the IRS will bill you later.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[VolvoGirl]

What program did you buy?  2023 Online is now closed so you need to buy  the Desktop installed program.  Any personal Desktop program will prepare a schedule C for self employment, sole proprietor, Single Member LLC,  etc.  BUT if you have a S corp or need to file file a 1065 or 1120 return you need to buy the Desktop Business program which is separate from the personal Home & Business program.  So you might need to buy  2 programs.

You can buy both the prior personal programs and the Business program here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products
You will need a full Windows or Mac computer to install the personal programs But Business is only available for Windows.