Turbo tax premier box version- how do I enter the serial # on the online version?

[clark1]

I hate paying $129 for TurboTax Premier online when it is $54 for the box version. Do I have to wait for the CD version, or can I just put my serial number in the online version?

[TrudyG]

There are differences between TurboTax Online and TurboTax CD/Download Desktop versions.  Please review the information below to make your decision on which TurboTax product to use.

What's the difference between TurboTax Online and TurboTax CD/Download?

TurboTax Online offers the convenience of preparing and efiling your tax return from virtually any computer or mobile device with Internet access. There's no software to install and nothing you'll need to save on your computer. We'll store all of your information on our secure servers. TurboTax Online includes federal and state efiling. About 75% of our customers choose this version.

TurboTax CD/Download lets you download and install TurboTax on your personal computer. You'll be able work on your taxes, even if you're not connected to the Internet. Your information will be stored on your hard drive. TurboTax CD/Download includes the tax preparation fee for one state (state tax prep is an additional cost with TurboTax Basic and Business). It also allows you to prepare and print unlimited federal tax returns, and efile up to five at no charge (additional fee per state efile with TurboTax CD/Download). CD/Download is a better overall value for customers preparing tax returns for multiple people.

No matter which TurboTax version you choose, rest assured—you'll get easy questions in plain English, help finding every tax deduction and credit you deserve, and your maximum refund, guaranteed.

For more information, click on the link below to "compare TurboTax products":

Compare TurboTax Products - click the Online Tab for Online Products, click the Desktop Tab for CD/Download Products

[SteamTrain]

Online software and Desktop (CD) software are entirely separate preparation systems.  Prices are quite a bit different too.

No way to put in a serial# or purchase code from a CD to use the Online software either..

Most helpers here in the community, consider the Desktop (CD) version to be far superior to Online...but a lot depends on the complexity of each person's situation.

[VolvoGirl]

Where do you see 54.99 for the Desktop program?  What version?  Premier is 109.99 for Desktop and you get a free state download.  I hope you bought the CD from a legit seller.

Online Premier is 79.99 for Federal and 44.99 for state.

[VolvoGirl]

And how do you have a serial number if you don't have the CD yet?  

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...

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.

[Garypatterson7o]

It’s 54.99 on Amazon right now. I’ve been buying Premier CD-ROM for 5 years and have never paid more than $79.99

[Garypatterson7o]

You ill have to wait for the CD since the license code is inside the front of the CD case.