This year I wasn't given an opportunity to pre-order TurboTax download version for 2021. Are they switching to online-only tax preparation?

[paulracine]

Is Intuit switching to online-only for 2021 taxes?

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure what might have gone wrong with your Advantage subscription--if you have one.  But you can certainly still very easily get the CD/download software for 2020.

CD/DOWNLOAD (This requires a full PC or Mac—-cannot be used on a mobile device)

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 $19.99 and increases in March.

ONLINE 2020

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

And just so you know—online prices go up in March

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900547-how-do-i-update-or-confirm-the-info-in-my-turbotax-advanta...

[paulracine]

Thanks for the quick reply, but I didn't phrase my question clearly enough. I already filed in 2021 for tax year 2020, using TurboTax Premiere downloaded to my iMac. At the end of the e-filing process, before quitting TT, I was not given the opportunity to renew my annual subscription to the download version for tax year 2021, usually available in early-mid November. This makes me wonder: Is the download/CD version is being discontinued for tax year 2021 in favor of online tax preparation only? And if this is the case, how will TT pull relevant prior years' data from my returns, which are stored on my local hard drive and/or at iCloud?

[xmasbaby0]

No, they are not discontinuing the CD/download.   You will be able to get a CD/download when you are ready to prepare your 2021 tax return next year.

Please use the link provided already so that you can look at your Advantage account and update it if necessary so that you will get your 2021 software.