I just filed returns for both myself and my daughter vial your online service. It was upsetting to learn that I had to set separate accounts. Is this for security?

[bjohnson1991]

I am upset that I could have potentially had to pay for two returns via your online service versus purchasing the downloaded software.  I had to search to find out that I can only file one return for each online account.  Whereas if I had purchased or downloaded the software I can file five.

Why?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

When you use Online TurboTax, you get one return per fee.  Each return needs its own account and user ID.   If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, you overwrite the first one and lose it forever.

 When you use Desktop TurboTax, which you install from a CD or download to your own hard drive, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the cost of the software.  You can e-file up to 5 Federal returns—more if you mail the additional ones.  If you have multiple returns to prepare for family members, Desktop is more cost effective.