TurboTax Desktop not syncing with TurboTax Online

[kellermartin13]

This is less of a question and more of a complaint, as I have seen this question asked multiple times over the years. TurboTax desktop, even when using the same Intuit account as TurboTax online, is not synced. This is truly terrible UX and makes no sense from a product perspective. Why not sync the 2? It really creates a mess with all your integrations - my Mint account keeps telling me to "track my tax return!", but only takes me to the TurboTax Online, when I already submitted my return through the desktop application.

I'm about done with TurboTax after this year unless this is fixed. It's been an issue for years and seems like it's not a priority.

[VolvoGirl]

What do you mean synced?  When you use the Desktop program your info and returns are only kept on your computer and not saved or stored online.   Desktop and Online are 2 separate products and do not have the same features.   You can transfer the previous year form either version into either one.  I don't think they can ever be "synced".  

For the Desktop program you have to check the filing status inside the program. Open your return and go up to menu item  File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

[Mike9241]

@kellermartin13  if you find a different app that does what you want let's know.

[kellermartin13]

I understand that they are different products, but I’m still signing into the desktop app with my intuit account. The fact that it only saves in a local file and does not update my actual Intuit (re: TurboTax) account is pretty bad product design. 

I know I can load a file to get my data, but that’s not the point. I shouldn’t have to do that as a user. 

If it was designed better, desktop and web app would pull from the same database, rather than relying on a text file dump to load data. 

[kellermartin13]

I switched to freetaxusa 2 years ago and am very happy with the service. No reason to pay Intuit another dime. 

[kellermartin13]

@Mike9241highly recommend freetaxusa. Now 3 years in and it's been great. Free and I've seen no fewer features. Filing taxes should be free - please don't give intuit any more money.