Tax Year Prior to 2020: I use Premier and need to Efile more than 5 returns. What do I do?

[DoninGA]

The 5 free e-files for a federal tax return when using the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions is set by IRS rules.  Any further tax returns have to be printed and mailed.  

There is no option whatsoever to increase the number of e-filed returns beyond the 5.

[JulieC14]

You can prepare as many individual tax returns as needed in the cd/download versions of Premier, but you are correct that only 5 of those returns can be e-filed per IRS regulations.  The other returns would need to be printed and mailed.   

See more information here:  How many returns can I e-file in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

[Critter]

For the extra returns you need to file ... if they qualify you can use one of the free versions ... these are good for kid returns especially ...

There are several TurboTax editions when using the online web based programs - Free, Plus, Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed.  Only the Free edition is free for both federal and state tax returns.  However, the Free edition is only good for very simple tax returns.  If the user enters tax data that is not supported by the Free online editions then one of the paid editions must be used.

TurboTax also is part of the Free File Alliance and provides the Freedom Edition for eligible taxpayers.  The Freedom Edition usually becomes available in mid-January of the tax year.

These were the requirements for the tax year 2018 Freedom Edition -

IRS Free File Program - https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
If you are eligible you can use the TurboTax Free File Program which is free to file both a federal and state tax return. The Free File Program edition is a full featured personal tax program and on a separate website from the TurboTax online editions.

To qualify for free 2018 federal and state tax returns with the Free File Program, you'll need to meet at least one of these requirements:

• A maximum 2018 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $34,000; or
• You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
• You served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum 2018 AGI of $66,000 (you'll also need a military-issued W-2).

See this TurboTax support FAQ on the Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the difference between the Free File Progam and the Free edition - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572617-what-s-the-difference-between-free-file-program-and-free-e...

And see this TurboTax support FAQ on how to switch to the TurboTax Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2026912-how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program

[hopekonz]

Buy a second Premier tax package and load it under a different user on your computer. Also use a different email and mobile phone number from the first Premier package when the question pops up during the e-filing section of turbotax.  This is important because I believe turbotax tracks those two identifiers to help contain the 5 efile rule.

I buy 5 Deluxe tax packages every year to cover our company employees'  returns.  I have discussed it several times with customer support turbotax agents, and they say buying multiple tax packages and using them on one computer is a common practice among families, co-workers, etc.  I just wanted to be totally honest and a rule follower is the reason I asked the agents.

[Irene2805]

You can prepare as many returns as you want with the CD/Download version of TurboTax.  It's just that you can only e-file five returns.  The rest can be printed and mailed.

The IRS imposes a limit of 5 e-file returns.  Preparing greater than 5 returns is viewed by the IRS as being a "preparer" and requires registration with the IRS.  It is NOT a TurboTax limitation, and it does not matter how many TurboTax packages you buy; if you try to e-file more than 5 returns you should consider it an invitation to the IRS to contact you.

NOTE: To prepare more than five e-files, you will need to become an Authorized e-file Provider and register as an ERO (Electronic Returns Originator) with the IRS, see:  Become an Authorized e-file Provider

    

Intuit has several professional software options if you need to prepare and e-file more than 5 federal tax returns: ProSeries, Lacerte, and Intuit ProConnect.  This may be more cost effective than purchasing multiple copies of TurboTax.

@hopekonz