TurboTax 2025 Desktop, Do You need to stay logged in?

[taxpersonly]

I installed turbotax 2025 on my Windows 11 desktop, logged into my Intuit account, and activated it on my computer. I noticed under File>Signed In as "username" that I'm logged in on the desktop program, compared to previous years, such as 2024, where I was logged off.  If I recall correctly, I was able to finish my taxes, download the appropriate state, e-file my federal taxes (I may have had to sign in at that point, but I can't remember exactly), and automatically update the program for both federal and state for turbotax 2024. I checked turbotax 2024 today and I'm currently not signed in.

I want to sign out but when I click sign out, I get the warning message "Are you sure about signing out? You may have to sign-in again while using some features, so we recommend you stay signed in until you file your taxes."

My questions are:

1) What are the features that require being signed in on the turbotax 2025 desktop version?

2) If I signed out, will the desktop version still allow me to do what I've always done, which is to prepare my taxes along with whatever state I need, efile federal (which I'm okay to log in as needed), update the program?

3) If I'm signed in, are my taxes and information being sent to Intuit as well as the saved tax file?

4) Could logging out mess up the activation and require a new activation on this same computer and take up one of the 5 allotted activations?

Thank you!

[DoninGA]

When using the TurboTax desktop editions there is no reason for you to be signed onto your TurboTax account after the installation of the TurboTax software.

Signing out of TurboTax has no affect on the ability to complete and file your tax return.  When you are signed in none of your tax return data is sent to Intuit.  Being signed out has no affect on the number of activations you are allowed to have.

Being signed in allows the the AI to assist when doing Searches.  But I have found it to be mostly useless and have decided to stay signed out throughout the process to complete and file tax returns using my Premier desktop edition.

[taxpersonly]

Thank you for the answer. I was able to log off and stay signed out without any issues using the software and preparing my taxes.

[SteamTrain]

@taxpersonly @DoninGA 

This response from DD2130 talks about a problem with certain edit/trash selections not showing up if the computer is not connected to the internet.   Not sure it applies to just the computer, or actually having the desktop software login implemented.   

Not sure I understand why that should be the case in either situation...just something to watch out for if it happens to y'all.

Re: Summary Screens not allowing you to edit or delete items contained in the list

[DoninGA]

Thanks @SteamTrain 

[VolvoGirl]

Here’s some search differences I found in the Windows Desktop program……

When you click on SEARCH in the upper right you either get the Turbo Tax Digital Assistant or the Turbo Tax Help box depending if you are signed in. I have gotten the Jump to links using both ways.  In the Desktop program you can sign in or sign out of your account under FILE on the top menu.

If you are signed in it will say Signed in as [name] under File. SEARCH will open the Digital Assistant like a chat box. Go to the bottom and type your search then click the send arrow on the right side.

If you are signed out, it will say Sign in under File. The SEARCH box will ask you to sign in. If you get a window asking you to sign in, don't sign in.  Click the X in the top right corner to get rid of the sign in window. Then you will have the Search box where you enter your search at the top of the box.