Turbo tax online vs downloaded software

[normchevy]

Hi, I have always used Turbo tax online but started a business this year and purchased turbo tax for business and home thru amazon. 

Once I download the software and start my return will I be able to access my return online from another location? 

[DoninGA]

The TurboTax desktop programs can only be accessed on the computer where the software was installed, they cannot be accessed online.

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

[VolvoGirl]

There are 2 ways to use Turbo Tax. You can use the Online browser version or buy and install the Desktop program.

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included. You can Transfer from last year's Desktop program. Online System Requirements
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/turbotax-online-system-requirements/00/25...

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program on a full Windows or Mac computer (a desktop or laptop), 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. And the Desktop program has many other features over the Online versions.

[VolvoGirl]

Do you need to Transfer from 2022?  

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 .tax2022 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 .tax2022 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 2023 for the side menu to open up. Just continue a little ways into 2023.

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 2023 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...

[dmertz]

You could potentially install this copy of TurboTax on several computers and save your tax file to a drive that is shared between these computers to allow modifications to be made using any of these computers, but doing so could be more confusing than beneficial and could result in lost changes if there is any disruption or delay in the file sharing.