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 ALL Online versions including the federal Free Edition. 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.
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 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 19.99/24.99 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.
Some advantages of the Desktop CD/Download program over the Online version,
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