Turbotax software vs. Turbotax website

[VAer]

As I know, Turbotax software also allows e-filing tax return (not print out and mail to IRS).

But my other question: Can I preview full tax return form before e-filing when using Turbotax software?

How can I import  website 2021 data (such as carryover loss, etc) to desktop? If using desktop software in the future, how can I import previous year of data? Do I need to download the software every year, or will it update by itself (something like window update)?

I have been using Turbotax website before, as I remember, I can also review the data before e-filing from website, but the data is on webpage only, it is like summary data. Only after I pay and submit e-filing, the system will generate PDF version of tax return. Which makes sense, I have to pay first before getting PDF version of tax return. But this is for website only.

Now my question is related Turbotax software. I will need to pay Turbotax software first, so will it generate PDF version of tax return before e-filing? I would like to review PDF version of tax return first.

Thanks.

[DoninGA]

You can review all the forms, schedules, worksheets and any other pages included with the tax return before the return is filed using the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions.  These editions include Forms mode which can be used at any time during or after a tax return is completed for filing.

[Critter-3]

Of course you can see your ONLINE return before you file it  AND make any changes required as well ... that is an IRS rule.

Please follow the instructions below to preview your tax return before filing.

How do I preview my TurboTax Online return before ...

[VAer]

@Critter-3 Yes, for website, I can see ONLINE version of data before efiling, but as mentioned, it is webpage summary data, not PDF version of data (same tax return form).

How can I import  website 2021 data (such as carryover loss, etc) to desktop? If using desktop software in the future, how can I import previous year of data? Do I need to download the software every year, or will it update by itself (something like window update)?

[VAer]

@DoninGA 

Thanks.

How can I import  website 2021 data (such as carryover loss, etc) to desktop? If using desktop software in the future, how can I import previous year of data? Do I need to download the software every year, or will it update by itself (something like window update)?

[Critter-3]

@VAer 

You obviously did not read the entire FAQ I posted ... in the PRINT CENTER you can view all the forms & worksheets ... review that FAQ again. 

[VAer]

Sorry, I did not pay attention and did not see a link in your earlier reply. I will view the video later tonight. If I can review PDF version of data before efiling on the website, I may not want to use desktop software.

[Critter-3]

How can I import  website 2021 data (such as carryover loss, etc) to desktop? If using desktop software in the future, how can I import previous year of data? Do I need to download the software every year, or will it update by itself (something like window update)?

Each tax year transfers from the prior tax year when you start the new year's return ... follow the intructions carefully when you start in either program.  Each tax year uses it's own separate program ... it is not "updated" for the next tax year. 

How to Transfer into the Online version
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

How to Transfer into the Windows Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/transfer-last-year-s-return-to-turbotax-fo...

How to Transfer into the Mac Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-the-t...

[VAer]

@Critter-3 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/preview-turbotax-online-retur... 

I just watched the video (0:53), it does require paying before previewing full return.

[Critter-3]

Yes it does... just like the downloaded program does.  

[VolvoGirl]

I don't think some of your questions were answered. 

Can I review tax return form before e-filing when using Turbotax software?

Yes the Desktop CD/Download program has more features and advantages over the Online web version.  You can see and enter directly into the forms.  You can transfer from the 2021 online version.  You will have to buy a new program each year.  If you go back to the Online web version you can transfer the prior year from the Desktop program.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. It has a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

TO TRANSFER FROM 2021

If you used the online version last year and need to transfer your info to this year's Desktop version there are 2 ways depending on what you have.

1. If you saved the actual .tax2021 file (not just the pdf file) to your computer before online was shut down in Oct. then start a new return and the very first thing you do is Transfer from .tax file. You can only transfer at the very beginning. You should be able to download the .tax2021 file from online.

How to Access prior year online returns
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/00/270...

If you can't get the side menus to open up to access the prior year..... You need to start entering some basic Personal Info in 2022 for the side menu to open up. Just continue a little ways into 2022.

2. If you didn't save the .tax file to your computer or lost it, there is a way to do it by starting a 2022 return in the Online version, transfer to that and then continue in the desktop version. You won't have to pay for Online.

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

Then to switch to the Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

How to Transfer into the Windows Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/transfer-last-year-s-return-to-turbotax-fo...

How to Transfer into the Mac Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-the-t...

[VAer]

@VolvoGirl 

Thank you very much. It seems I should go with desktop software, it is same price anyway (or almost same price).

[Critter-3]

FYI ... ALL of the downloaded versions can handle all of the same tax forms and is a superior produce and you can save a few dollars by using the Deluxe if you need a state return and Basic if you don't ... do some price shopping for a good price.

You can purchase it from this site or try a number of other retailers like Amazon, Costco, Walmart, Target, etc.  

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

You can also purchase the CD/download from various retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Sam’s Club, etc. etc. etc.

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

When you use desktop software, there is an additional fee to e-file a state return.  You can avoid that fee if you print, sign and mail the state return.  The state e-file fee is $20 and increases in March.

[VAer]

@Critter-3 @VolvoGirl 

I just bought one from Costco: TurboTax Premier 2022 Federal E-File + State Download, for PC/Mac, Includes $10 Credit in Product

1. Why state e-file fee increases in March? The state e-file fee is $20, so I still need to pay another $10 excluding 10$ credit from Costco purchase?

2. When I started a new return, and I browsed TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 (downloaded from TurboTax website, since I used TurboTax website for previous years), the personal information is imported. It only allows me to browse one file, so I choose TurboTaxReturn.tax2021, my question is: I don't need PDF file of 2021 tax return, correct? I only need TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 OR PDF of tax return? I think I have asked similar question earlier this month, not sure if anyone replied that both .tax2021 and pdf are needed. I just don't see a way to browse two files.

Will previous carryover loss be imported after importing TurboTaxReturn.tax2021? I just started with personal information, and still waiting for various tax forms. I will probably e-file in late February.

Thanks.

[CarissaM]

Yes, you would need to pay the additional fee for e-filing your state tax currently at $20 and no charge for e-filing up-to 5 federal returns just the product price, and you can use the certificate you purchased from Costco for $10 off add on products from TurboTax. Also, you can upload either a pdf copy or the taxfile.2021 for your 2022 taxes, both are not needed just one. Discounts on most of our products and services are lost around March, as a personal note, the earlier you file your taxes the more you may save. For example Live Basic is currently free until March 31, 2023 then price increases. Yes, Carryover Loss info will be carried over once you import last years tax info and start entering the related income and losses for the current year.

Disclaimers:

$10 credit for in-product add-on: Limited to one credit per license code and applies to first in-product add-on purchase only. Add-on purchase must be made via payment card to receive $10 credit at time of in-product purchase. Cannot be applied to TurboTax Online or TurboTax Live products and services. The $10 credit will automatically be applied to your first add on feature or service. No promotional codes needed. This credit is only valid for products purchased in-store or online at Costco. $10 credit has no cash value and will not be refunded if not used or if the product is returned. Offer valid for Tax Year 2022 TurboTax Desktop products only and expires April 18, 2023.

@VAer