Hi jwbkjcWhich one better fits your needs? You decide! Here are the major differences between TurboTax Online and the TurboTax CD/Download software.No matter which one you go with, you'll be getting the same quality product that has made TurboTax is the #1-rated, best-selling tax software year after year!Cost TurboTax OnlineTry before you buy – you don't pay until you e-file or print your return.For this reason, our unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee does not apply to TurboTax Online.TurboTax Online Free Edition lets you file your 1040EZ or 1040A for free!TurboTax Online Military Edition is free for pay grades E-1 through E-5.State return preparation fees are extra for all versions of TurboTax Online.However, the cost of e-filing the state return is built into the state preparation fee.E-file 1 federal return and up to 5 state returns per unique User ID/Password combination.Generally, the TurboTax CD/Download software will save you money if you're filing multiple returns. TurboTax CD/Download softwareBuy before you try – covered by our unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee.One free state product is usually included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business versions.However, the cost of e-filing the state return is extra.E-file up to 5 federal returns, and up to 3 state returns for each federal return you e-file.If you're preparing returns for other family members, or if you're filing an RDP or civil union return, the CD/Download software usually costs less than Online.For current, direct-from-TurboTax prices for both Online and CD/Download software, click here.Computer Stuff TurboTax OnlineSystem requirements are usually lower than the CD/Download software.Prepare and file your return from virtually any computer or device with Internet access.Updates are automatic and require no action on your part. TurboTax CD/Download softwareSystem requirements are usually higher than TurboTax Online. Windows Requirements | Mac RequirementsInstall the TurboTax software on your computer.The software must be updated regularly.The automatic (background) update option is enabled by default.Availability TurboTax OnlineTurboTax Online is available from early December through mid-October for the current tax year only.Outside of that timeframe, TurboTax Online shuts down to get ready for the upcoming tax season.Completed prior-year Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business returns in PDF format are available by signing in to your account.Incomplete prior-year returns are not available (however, the data will transfer to next year's Online return).Prior-year returns, completed or not, are not available to Free Edition customers.For more information on how TurboTax Online handles prior-year returns, click here.TurboTax Online requires a unique User ID/Password combination to access your return. TurboTax CD/Download softwareAvailable from many retailers November through April, often at a discount, or year-round at TurboTax.com.The program is available for as long as you own the software and a computer to run it on.Tax returns are stored locally, on your hard drive (or other storage device of your choosing).No password is required, unless you choose to set one up.Deal-breakersThere are some things TurboTax Online doesn't currently handle. In these cases, you must to use the CD/Download version if you:Need to file a corporation, partnership, or other return handled by TurboTax Business;Need to prepare, amend, or file your 2009 through 2012 taxes;Want to import data from Quicken or QuickBooks; orWant to view or prepare your taxes in Forms mode.Although TurboTax Online and the personal tax software support the same tax forms, in rare situations we recommend the software over the online version (for example, if filing Form 982).Also, if you need to import more than 500 stock transactions, we recommend using the TurboTax software. More infoRelated Information:TurboTax Online Product GuideTurboTax Software Product GuideTurboTax Alan

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jwbkjc

Level 1

Question

What is the difference between purchasing Turbo Tax at store or doing it on line?

19 replies
176 views

No text available

TurboTax Premier Online

dgonz99

Level 2

i prepare about 8 returns can i use the downloaded verison

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Yes if you have a full Windows or Mac computer. The Desktop CD/Download program can do unlimited returns but only efile 5 (IRS limit) but you can print and mail the rest.

Chung11358

Level 4

I would like e-filed but can not do more than 5 E-filed. Can I buy and installed two turbo taxes software premium in the same my computer so I can do 10 e-filing. because I do taxes for my family and relative and need E-filing that the fast way. Please advice /Thanks

JohnB5677

Alumni - Intuit

ProSeries and Lacerte are tax-preparation software packages designed for professional tax preparers. We also have ProConnect Tax Online, a cloud-based solution for the professional tax preparer.

If you prepare tax returns for a fee and want to use Intuit software, consider ProSeries, Lacerte, or ProConnect Tax Online, as the license agreement for TurboTax prohibits its use for commercial purposes.

For more information, visit the Intuit Accountants website.

As a non-professional tax preparer, can I use these products?

You can, but it's probably overkill, not to mention expensive. Remember, you can use TurboTax to prepare as many returns as you want, as long as you don't charge for your services.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Anonymous

Hi jwbkjc

Which one better fits your needs? You decide! Here are the major differences between TurboTax Online and the TurboTax CD/Download software.

No matter which one you go with, you'll be getting the same quality product that has made TurboTax is the #1-rated, best-selling tax software year after year!

Cost

TurboTax Online

Try before you buy – you don't pay until you e-file or print your return.
- For this reason, our unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee does not apply to TurboTax Online.
TurboTax Online Free Edition lets you file your 1040EZ or 1040A for free!
TurboTax Online Military Edition is free for pay grades E-1 through E-5.
State return preparation fees are extra for all versions of TurboTax Online.
- However, the cost of e-filing the state return is built into the state preparation fee.
E-file 1 federal return and up to 5 state returns per unique User ID/Password combination.
- Generally, the TurboTax CD/Download software will save you money if you're filing multiple returns.

TurboTax CD/Download software

Buy before you try – covered by our unconditional 60-day money-back guarantee.
One free state product is usually included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business versions.
- However, the cost of e-filing the state return is extra.
E-file up to 5 federal returns, and up to 3 state returns for each federal return you e-file.
- If you're preparing returns for other family members, or if you're filing an RDP or civil union return, the CD/Download software usually costs less than Online.

For current, direct-from-TurboTax prices for both Online and CD/Download software, click here.

Computer Stuff

TurboTax Online

System requirements are usually lower than the CD/Download software.
Prepare and file your return from virtually any computer or device with Internet access.
Updates are automatic and require no action on your part.

TurboTax CD/Download software

System requirements are usually higher than TurboTax Online. Windows Requirements | Mac Requirements
Install the TurboTax software on your computer.
The software must be updated regularly.
- The automatic (background) update option is enabled by default.

Availability

TurboTax Online

TurboTax Online is available from early December through mid-October for the current tax year only.
- Outside of that timeframe, TurboTax Online shuts down to get ready for the upcoming tax season.
Completed prior-year Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business returns in PDF format are available by signing in to your account.
- Incomplete prior-year returns are not available (however, the data will transfer to next year's Online return).
- Prior-year returns, completed or not, are not available to Free Edition customers.
- For more information on how TurboTax Online handles prior-year returns, click here.
TurboTax Online requires a unique User ID/Password combination to access your return.

TurboTax CD/Download software

Available from many retailers November through April, often at a discount, or year-round at TurboTax.com.
The program is available for as long as you own the software and a computer to run it on.
Tax returns are stored locally, on your hard drive (or other storage device of your choosing).
No password is required, unless you choose to set one up.

Deal-breakers

There are some things TurboTax Online doesn't currently handle. In these cases, you must to use the CD/Download version if you:

Need to file a corporation, partnership, or other return handled by TurboTax Business;
Need to prepare, amend, or file your 2009 through 2012 taxes;
Want to import data from Quicken or QuickBooks; or
Want to view or prepare your taxes in Forms mode.

Although TurboTax Online and the personal tax software support the same tax forms, in rare situations we recommend the software over the online version (for example, if filing Form 982).

Also, if you need to import more than 500 stock transactions, we recommend using the TurboTax software. More info

Related Information:

TurboTax Alan

Ruth24

Level 2

I need to file a return for my soon to be 98 yr old mother-in-law. No W2 income only SS and investment income. What package do I use. Do I need to register differently for her returns? I did mind earlier this month and not a problem. But now I want to do hers and cannot seem to register her. Please help

DaveF1006

Alumni - Intuit

It depends on the investment income. if the investment income involves a little bit of interest or dividends, you may get by filing with a free version of Turbo Tax. If involving stock or bond sales reported on a 1099B, then you will need Turbo Tax Premier to file.

If your mother is under the filing threshold. If the amount of her investment income and 1/2 of her social security is less then $14,250, she does not need to file.

@Ruth24

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rhmarsh1

Level 2

I purchased CD TrboTax 2020 at retail outler and installed it on my computer. Upon entering my activation code I received error code 606.

CarissaM

Level 15

If you are receiving error 606, it means the program is not fully installed.

Please read over this FAQ to assist in resolving the issue.

If you need any additional assistance, please click here to contact customer service.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

WayneHWilson

Level 2

I have always preferred the TurboTax Desktop product (installed software), but that is because I am a CPA and get the eebie jeebies if I cannot directly see and interact with all the forms. I also like to use TT Desktop to model different scenarios as part of tax planning for future years.

Hoppel5343

Level 2

I see the self employed is $79 at Sams and comes with state download an e-file. The online versions is more and doesn’t come with state?

VolvoGirl

Level 15

You mean the Home & Business version?
ONLINE VS DESKTOP

ONLINE

The Online web version is different than the Desktop CD/Download program you install. The pricing structure is totally different.

Online you pay to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included in all versions. And state is a separate additional charge in Deluxe and above. Oh and Online is only good for 1 Account and 1 return.

In the Online versions you have to use a higher versions to enter certain types of income like investments and self employment. Online you can’t see the actual forms like the Desktop program until you pay.

You can access an online return from any computer and device. Your return is stored at Turbo Tax. So be sure to download the pdf and .tax files to your computer when you are done or you may not be able to access it when you need a copy. Or if you ever need to amend.

DESKTOP

Some advantages of the Desktop CD/Download program over the Online version, https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd-download-software-over-the-online-version/00/26486

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.