What are the differences between Turbotax Online and TurboTax Desktop?

[ScruffyCurmudgeon]

The most recently updated official FAQ (Intuit supplied Frequently-Asked-Question) database states that the upload from a desktop "*.tax20**" file must be the prior year version data from the desktop product when uploading to the current 2022 Online service offering:

FAQ: Switch-Turbotax-CD-Download-Turbotax-Online 

For your case, if already using 2022 CD Desktop, this response from TurboTax may not be the answer you are seeking but if you are truly starting afresh with different data, even just the core data from last year, this may work for you

[Taxmancometh4457]

Last few years I bought Turbotax at Staples and was able to prepare 5 Federal returns for family.  Bought online this year and prepared first return.  Only after I file and pay do I discover the online version is only for one Federal return.  This is not mentioned before the purchase.  

[VolvoGirl]

So did you use the Online version or buy the Desktop program but use online by accident?  

Yes there are many differences with using the Online  version and the Desktop Download program.  This year for 2024 they are not selling the CDs but only as a Download.  People are confusing the Desktop Download program with the Online browser version.    You must have noticed the other differences too.  Like you can't see the Forms.  And your return is not saved on your computer.  

Since you paid for the Online version you can ask if they will switch you to the Desktop program as before.

[djweidman]

You can simply download the file. No CD needed.