Question Re: TurboTax Premium Desktop Installation ...confusing directions...need clarification

[bluemoon]

When installing desktop turbo tax 2025 Premium it gives you an option to switch to Turbo Tax Premium Online, does that mean you lose access to the desktop version?

I have tried the online version in prior years and it is not a mirror image of the desktop version and lacks similar functionality when compared to the desktop version.

Why on earth in 2025 there is this discrepancy is beyond comprehension. I am sure some half-baked excuse for a response will be offered but having worked in IT...I assure you, there is NO reason at all to have this discrepancy in features. The online version looks like an incomplete high school project not ready for primetime with the dog ate my homework excuse.

NOT ACCEPTABLE WHEN DEALING WITH IRS AND YOUR TAXES! WORST OF ALL THEIR SOFTWARE PROGAMMERS OVERSEAS DON'T FILE US TAXES. SO IT'S LIKE GIVING SOMEONE A MANUAL AND EXPECTING THEM TO DRIVE - NOT HAPPENING...YOU HAVE TO BE BEHIND THE WHEEL AND HAVE HANDS ON EXPERIENCE. THE OVERSEAS PROGRAMMERS AND PROJECT MANAGERS HAVE NO SKIN IN THE GAME! BASICALLY FUNCTIONAL ILLERTATES GUIDING PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DEI MANAGERS STATESIDE TOO CONCERNED ABOUT BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT.

STILL, USING THIS PRODUCT AS EVEN WITH ALL THAT IS WRONG...IT IS STILL SUPERIOR TO H&R BLOCK....PERHAPS NOT FOR LONG.

APPLOGIES IN ADVANCE FOR THE CAPS....JUST FRUSTRATED EVERY YEAR WITH TT AND BEEN USING IT SINCE 1990s. 

[baldietax]

Yes it’s either/or it would switch you to online and lose desktop, but it’s just an option they are offering this year mainly due to the Win 10 compatibility issue.  Just say no to it if you don't want to switch to online, many who purchase desktop feel the same way as you about it.

[NCperson · Accepted solution]

@bluemoon it is option, that's all.  Like Desktop?, then stick with it!

Understand the history.  Desktop existed before the internet and smartphones did! Desktop was the only version TT offered thirty years ago! 

Over time, TT introduced Online where the profit margins* are MUCH higher! So the option introduced in the Desktop version this year is just another marketing idea to get you to switch.

* on Desktop, you can do tax returns for multiple taxpayers for just one license fee; Online each tax return has a fee.  I do 4 family tax returns on Desktop for that grand total of $70! On line that would probably run $500-$600.