TurboTax software vs. e-filing from the website?

[VAer]

What is the main reason for someone to purchase software rather than filing on the website?

Not much difference between the costs. If purchasing software, you still need to print it out and mail the form to IRS, then IRS will manually enter your data into the system (it could cause typing error).

While e-filing is convenient, the website can also save a lot of data for following year.

So why some people choose sofeware over e-filing? I don't get it, do I miss anything?

Thanks.

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Lots of reasons.  You can efile from the Desktop program and do more than 1 return.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, 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 $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

You can buy the personal Desktop CD/Download program now here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

[VAer]

You can also e-file from downloaded software? I mistakenly thought it is for print out only. Can the desktop import W2 and 1099 form from other financial institution?

[VolvoGirl]

Oh and the Desktop program has a What-If worksheet.  And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

Advantages of Desktop over Online
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2750704-what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd-download-softwa...

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can efile both federal and state.  Although it is $20 early or 25 after March 1 to efile state.  Or you can print and mail state for free.   You can transfer from the prior year and transfer into the next year.  Even Transfer between Online and Desktop.  

Would you like to switch to the Desktop program?  You can download the .tax2020 data file without paying for Online and 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...

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can do all the things the Online version does and more.  Some things are easier to do in the Desktop program.  

[NCperson]

I have always used the Desktop package - you can file multiple returns for the same price... I do my entire family (4 tax returns) for the cost of one software package (~$70).  The online package only permits one return per ID.