License code, where do I enter for ONLINE turbotax?

[BobK54]

Folks:  I purchased the Turbotax 2025 ONLINE version from Amazon in January 2026.  Amazon told me to activate my ONLINE version using turbotax.com/activate.  By that time I had already started my return and when I try to activate my purchase Turbotax says there is a return already associated with my account and I should try a different account. No kidding.  Why?  I'm just trying get credit for what I've already paid for.  I just spent 53 minutes on a call with Turbotax support.  They have NO idea how to fix this.  They keep telling me to download and install the product.  NO!  I'm using the ONLINE version for a reason (Turbotax is not supporting Windows 10 anymore and I don't have a windows 11 computer).  Support needs better info for the online version for sure.  Why is this so difficult?

[BobK54]

Forgot to add:  When purchasing the ONLINE version from another retailer like Amazon there IS a license code to be used.  The Turbotax license code is provided by Amazon for use when logging into Turbotax ONLINE.  Quit saying there is no license code for the online version, THERE IS A CODE needed when purchasing from outside Turbotax.  Turbotax support: please buy your own product from Amazon to PROVE there is definitely a license code provided through Amazon for the online version.  Thanks!

[DoninGA]

@BobK54 The activation code is for the Online edition you purchased.

The License code would be for a Desktop edition that was purchased.

If you have already started an online tax return and now want to use the TurboTax online edition you purchased from Amazon, you will need to use a different account and User ID since you cannot use the activation code for an account that is already in use.

It would be best to use the https://shop.app.intuit.com/activate and create an account

[BobK54]

Symantics bro!  OK, I have an "activation code" for the online version, not a license code.  Since I already started my return there is no place to input the "activation code" for my online return processing.  Why?  This is ridiculous.  I already have an account, an account going back YEARS, why do I need to create a NEW account?  Others are having the same issue, this is a bug in the Turbotax world that needs to be ironed out.  All I want to do is add this verifiable valid purchase to my current account.

[dorydoll]

I purchased a license code from COSTCO with the intention of using in on my laptop, however it is incompatible with Windows 10, and my laptop's processor is incompatible with Windows 11, so Intuit told me to do my taxes online. The license code I purchased includes 5 free federal e-files and 1 free state file, so where to I enter the code online in order to avoid being charged for these filing fees?

[VolvoGirl]

This is what I’ve found.    If you do decide to accept that offer to switch from your desktop product to an Online return, you have to do it through that link you will see on the desktop installation screen.   That's how it knows to give you the $0 online offer.   If you do that, then once you start your online return, in the top left corner it should say Do It Yourself Premium.  And in the top right corner you can verify you are being charged $0 this way:  You can click on the shopping cart icon, and a popup should show that you are being charged $0.   I would check that $0 fee periodically as you prepare your return to be sure.

2025 Migration to Online Offer

TurboTax Desktop to Online Migration Offer Terms (Tax Year 2025)

The offer is only for 1 federal and state returns.  You have to pay for the rest.

You can start another return in TurboTax Online by:

1. Logging out if you are in your account
2. Choose what TurboTax Online product you want to use for the second return
3. Create your account screen
4. Set up a new login for the second return
5. Start working on the new return

If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return per account.    Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

[dorydoll]

Thank you!