Why do the System Requirements for Turbotax Premier 2023 for Windows include a printer?

[ira_query]

On Amazon, according to the System Requirements for Turbotax Premier 2023 (disc, for Windows), the software requires an inkjet or laser printer? Why? I want the software to give me a PDF of my tax return to be stored permanently after e-filing. Is the software going to make me hook up a physical printer and print my return in order to file and/or complete the process?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

No, the software is not going to require you to purchase or connect a printer to your computer.   Not sure why amazon is showing a printer as a requirement.   If you are going to use the CD/download you can save yourself paying the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state return instead of e-filing the state.  Even though the software can include the state program to prepare the state return, it will cost you $20 to e-file the state before March 1, and after March 1 it will cost $25 to e-file a state return.

When you use online software, there is no fee for e-filing.   If you want to print your return, you can save it to a flash drive and print it somewhere like Kinko's, Staples, UPS, etc. or access your account from any computer that is connected to a computer and print it yourself.

[ira_query]

Thanks, presumably, the only reason for buying a disc version (or download) of the software is price. Otherwise, it appears to be totally linked to the online process. I was considering this disc version because it's cheaper to buy (now anyway) than using online Turbotax Premier to file federal and now I learn that the state e-file fee is also lower ($25 vs $59 (last year online state fee)).  But reviewers of the product have complained about the activation process and that because of it, they are using up 1 of the 5 licenses every time they use the software! Yikes. Hoping the best idea is to buy now for the lower price, then don't use it until my 1099s are final in March. By then, presumably the disc version will update itself with the latest version and skip all of this aggravation. Thanks again.

[xmasbaby0]

@ira_query Many of us who reply to questions in this forum use the CD/download.  I personally will not ever install/download the software until sometime in March -- when hopefully some of the early bugs are fixed.  

[VolvoGirl]

@ira_query   You are comparing apple to oranges.  The Desktop CD/Download program is completely separate and different than the Online web version.  There are more differences than just the price.  You can't really compare them.  The state fee $25 vs $59 are for different things.  The Desktop program is not linked to the Online version, except you have to sign in or create an Intuit Account to store your License Code.  See this FAQ for info on that,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/license-information/install-turbotax-cd-... 

In  the Online version the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included.  The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income.

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 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

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. It has a What-If worksheet. 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.

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.

[SteamTrain]

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@ira_query wrote:

. "  But reviewers of the product have complained about the activation process and that because of it, they are using up 1 of the 5 licenses every time they use the software! Yikes."

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Nahhh...you should be able restart TTX desktop software any time you want without reusing the license.  I usually shut down / restart the software ~every other day during the entire tax season, without an issue.

The use-up of the licenses was some kind of bug a very, very, few folks were encountering. You are unlikely to encounter that, though, if you do, Customer Support may be able to give you a fix (Not sure we here know what the fix actually was)