TurboTax 2024 desktop license allows filing of "own returns" only?

[LC9P]

TurboTax desktop seems to have changed its license. According to Section B/1/a/ii of https://www.intuit.com/legal/terms/en-us/turbotax/desktop-license/  (revised September 2024), I can only use it only for my own returns:

(ii) use the Software only to prepare, print and/or electronically file your own federal 2024 tax year returns and related 2024 state tax returns

I think last year it allowed use by others in the same household.

Question: can I install the software multiple times with different license keys on a single computer? If not, how can a customer use TT 2024 in scenarios like the following if they have just one computer?

1. Married couple filing separate returns.
2. Married couple filing joint return and also a return for their minor child.

[xmasbaby0]

You can use the desktop download for any of the scenarios you mentioned.   You just cannot give out your license key to other people who would download it to computers that THEY own---in other words---you cannot give it to your neighbor, your old frat brother in another state, your cousin's girl friend, etc. etc. etc.

When you purchase the download you get ONE license key that is good to use on up to five computers that YOU own.   You do not get five license keys.    Your license key is linked to your TT account.   You can download the software to your own computer and up to five computers that YOU own, and prepare returns on those computers.  You get a total--among your own computers--- of up to five federal e-files.   If you need to prepare more than five the other ones must be filed by mail.

You are fine to download the software to your own computer and use your computer---or allow your son or daughter to use your computer-- to prepare returns for your family or for your MFS returns.

But .....why would you want to file MFS---usually the worst way to file?

If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[LC9P]

Thanks for your response. I'm trying to understand the EULA so that I can be in compliance. Did I read the license incorrectly? I know about the five-computer rule in the EULA, but this "own return" restriction seems pretty clear that the scenarios would require two separate licenses. Is there something in the EULA that would settle my concern?

Note that my concern is about license compliance -- a legal consideration. Whether one could succeed in using the software certain way is not the issue. For example, a professional tax preparer can use (i.e. succeed in using) TT to prepare tax returns and e-file for their clients, but cannot legally per the EULA (Section B/1/f/3):

3. You are not licensed or permitted to use the Software, or to allow the Software to be used, to prepare tax returns, schedules or worksheets on a professional or commercial basis (e.g., for a preparer's or other fee or consideration).

I understand that I get only one license key per copy purchased. I was thinking that a customer with one computer would not be unable to comply (reasonably) with the "own return" restriction in the scenarios even if they shelled out the money for two copies of TT.

By the way regarding MFS, the scenarios were just examples to clarify my license question.

[xmasbaby0]

You are misinterpreting what you are reading.   You do NOT need a second license key ----or multiple computers----in order to use your software to prepare returns for members of your family or to prepare the two returns needed in the event of fling MFS.   The TurboTax software is not supposed to be used by PAID tax preparers----charging clients to prepare returns using the "do-it-yourself" TT software violates the terms of service.   Preparing a return for your own child or another member of your household is fine.