TT download to online

[johnsantaclara1]

Hi there, I just bought TurboTax download for MAC, I realized later that I should have probably bought TT Online. I am ok with my data being stored online. Mainly, I am looking for features such as TT being able to remember my taxes filed now for future years, and help me continue from there, and also to be able to login to my bank accounts, etc. and get my forms automatically.Are those features available with download version? If not, is there any way I can still use TT Online with the license I used for the download version I purchased accidentally?  Also, I bought TT mainly to re-check the numbers my tax consultant filed as I have already paid him. I want to compare and learn so I can file using TT from next year 🙂 So could I have just used the free TT online version in https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ which says "Start for Free, only pay when you file?" Thank you.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Both the download program and the online web version does all that.  You can transfer the prior year into the next year.  You can import your bank and broker 1099s into each version.

There are some differences.  Some advantages of the Desktop CD/Download program over the Online version,  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd...

The Online versions are only good for one return per account.  And you may need to upgrade to a higher version to enter certain things. See the Online versions here,  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

All the Desktop versions have the same forms so you can use a lower version.  You just get more help in the higher versions.  You can see and buy the Desktop versions here,  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

And the Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 Federal for free.

You can see and enter directly into the actual forms.

There is a What-If worksheet.

Basic does not include a free state program and has some other limitations like doesn’t import from It’s Deductible.

Deluxe and above include one free state program download to prepare returns for the same state.  Then each state return is 19.99 to efile (goes up to 24.99 in March).  Or you can print and mail state for free. If you need to also file a state return for a different state it is 39.99 to buy an additional state program.

So yes you can use the Desktop download program.  In fact it has more features and advantages over the Online web version.  Did you already start an Online return?

You can move your Online file to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online or needing to reenter your info.

To continue in the desktop version see this…….

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

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW).

[VolvoGirl]

A couple other things I wanted to point out about using the Online web version......

Online you pay to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail.  Efiling is free and included in all versions.  And state is a separate additional charge in Deluxe and above.   Oh and Online is only good for 1 Account and 1 return.

In the Online versions you have to use a higher versions to enter certain types of income like investments and self employment.  Online you can’t see the actual forms like the Desktop program until you pay.

You can access an online return from any computer and device.  Your return is stored at Turbo Tax.  So be sure to download the pdf and .tax files to your computer when you are done or you may not be able to access it when you need a copy Like to get a loan.  Or if you ever need to amend.

In the Desktop program your return is only on your computer so be sure to save often and make backup copies.  

[johnsantaclara1]

Thanks a lot! That was super helpful and very detailed! I already bought the download version and was worried if I should I have bought the online one. But from your response, I understand that the download version has everything that online has, and it has even more.

As I have already paid my tax consultant for this year and am only doing this to compare and learn for future years, my only other question is :Could I have just used the free TT online version in https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ which says "Start for Free, only pay when you file?""

[VolvoGirl]

You probably don't qualify to use the Free Edition.  The higher versions are free to start but even if you don't file you have to pay the fees to download the pdf file to see the forms.  And you don't have access to the actual forms (except in the pdf). And in the Online version you have to upgrade to a higher version to enter certain things like use Premier to enter investments.

Hope that helps.

[johnsantaclara1]

Thank you very much VolvoGirl! Super helpful!

[bohueilin]

Hello,

Thank you for sharing.

I am trying to download the software for TT Desktop State download, where I purchased the additional state last year when i filed online.  

The current download method only allows me to download the Fed/State version of my current state, not the additional state i purchased.  Where/How exactly can I download that?

Thank you

[MichelleLO]

Please see the below TurboTax help article to assist you with downloading your TurboTax State Download.

How do I download TurboTax State for Windows?

If you are still unable to find your download, please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support for assistance.

What is the TurboTax phone number?

@boheuilin

[bohueilin]

Thank you for sharing the links Michelle 🙂