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No, they are separate products with separate pricing. If you want to use TT online, you will need to return the CD and pay for TT directly from Turbotax.
Turbotax online is a different product from Turbotax Desktop (which comes as a download or CD to install on your own computer). They have different prices and different capabilities. The key differences are:
1. Most Turbotax desktop products include one free state module. With turbotax online, each state is $35 extra. (With turbotax desktop, e-filing a state return is an extra fee in most states, but it is still cheaper in the end than the online product. Or, you can avoid the fee by mailing your state return.)
2. Turbotax desktop allows direct access to all forms and worksheets. This is good for troubleshooting, error checking, and making manual adjustments in rare cases where they are needed. Turbotax online hides the forms and worksheets, and only allows you see them after you pay. The worksheets and forms are never directly editable.
3. Turbotax desktop version Deluxe and higher all include schedule C for self-employment, schedule D for investments and schedule E for rentals. The higher priced versions have more help and support, but the forms are available in the lower priced versions if you know what to look for. With turbotax online, you must upgrade to Premier or Self-Employed to get those forms.
4. With turbotax online, each tax return requires a separate user account and password and will charge the full price. Turbotax desktop can prepare an unlimited number of tax returns, with e-filing allowed for up to 5, all for the same initial price for the CD or download. (Each state e-file has a separate e-filing fee, but you can avoid that if you prefer to mail your state return.) Each return is in a separate document like having different Word or Excel documents. This allows to you prepare test returns for tax planning, or to prepare returns for family and friends (use of Turbotax by paid preparers is a violation of the license and of IRS regulations.)
5. Turbotax online can only be purchased directly from Turbotax. Discounts are not always available and the price goes up the closer you get to April 15. Turbotax Desktop can be purchased as a download from several discount retailers (like Staples and Amazon) and the CD can be bought from many more (including Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy); and usually at a significant discount compared to the Turbotax direct price. (But avoid web sites you've never heard of, they are probably selling pirated or infected copies.)
I only recommend Turbotax online for people who qualify for free filing. Otherwise, the desktop version is more cost-effective and has more capabilities.
No, they are separate products with separate pricing. If you want to use TT online, you will need to return the CD and pay for TT directly from Turbotax.
Turbotax online is a different product from Turbotax Desktop (which comes as a download or CD to install on your own computer). They have different prices and different capabilities. The key differences are:
1. Most Turbotax desktop products include one free state module. With turbotax online, each state is $35 extra. (With turbotax desktop, e-filing a state return is an extra fee in most states, but it is still cheaper in the end than the online product. Or, you can avoid the fee by mailing your state return.)
2. Turbotax desktop allows direct access to all forms and worksheets. This is good for troubleshooting, error checking, and making manual adjustments in rare cases where they are needed. Turbotax online hides the forms and worksheets, and only allows you see them after you pay. The worksheets and forms are never directly editable.
3. Turbotax desktop version Deluxe and higher all include schedule C for self-employment, schedule D for investments and schedule E for rentals. The higher priced versions have more help and support, but the forms are available in the lower priced versions if you know what to look for. With turbotax online, you must upgrade to Premier or Self-Employed to get those forms.
4. With turbotax online, each tax return requires a separate user account and password and will charge the full price. Turbotax desktop can prepare an unlimited number of tax returns, with e-filing allowed for up to 5, all for the same initial price for the CD or download. (Each state e-file has a separate e-filing fee, but you can avoid that if you prefer to mail your state return.) Each return is in a separate document like having different Word or Excel documents. This allows to you prepare test returns for tax planning, or to prepare returns for family and friends (use of Turbotax by paid preparers is a violation of the license and of IRS regulations.)
5. Turbotax online can only be purchased directly from Turbotax. Discounts are not always available and the price goes up the closer you get to April 15. Turbotax Desktop can be purchased as a download from several discount retailers (like Staples and Amazon) and the CD can be bought from many more (including Target, Walmart, Costco, Best Buy); and usually at a significant discount compared to the Turbotax direct price. (But avoid web sites you've never heard of, they are probably selling pirated or infected copies.)
I only recommend Turbotax online for people who qualify for free filing. Otherwise, the desktop version is more cost-effective and has more capabilities.
the download is 20 dollars more for the same exact product from your own site
I bought the Costco Turbotax Deluxe Desktop version and did not have a CD-ROM drive, so I was forced to open the packaging and use the Product License Key to download the software. Upon Downloading the software, I upgraded to Premiere to use the Cryptocurrency feature. When I realized that the screenshots were provided for the online version, I quickly went to the website and re-typed all of my information and then was prompted to buy deluxe and premium again just so I can input my Cryptocurrency information.
Costco will not take the CD back because of their policy for opened software (and the licence key was redeemed). Is there anything I can do to get a refund for the Desktop version I did not use at all? It both online and desktop sofware is registered in my online profile.
I am very happy with the online version, but I'm disappointed that it was not more clear that the desktop packaging does not clearly distinguish features that are exclusively online.
Hopefully the corporate folks review this -
-While there are differences in the products it seems very obvious that TurboTax Deluxe should be universally licensed. I am happy to use the product with LESS features if it still meets my need.
-I also purchased from Costco and was led down the online path when I logged into my Intuit account (I have been using Intuit products since the 90's). I believed I could apply my TurboTax Deluxe license when finished but alas I cannot. I also cannot download the work already done.
-Maybe make it VERY clear when starting an online session that license codes DO NOT WORK. Not sure why the company creates an unnecessary difference unless it is to generate more revenue for the (as described) lesser product?
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