Reports from the IRS show that of all the e-filed individual tax returns for a recent tax year, 59% were done by tax professionals and 41% were self-prepared. That 59% number is still surprisingly high to me, but today we focus on the 41% self-prepared returns.
When you’re part of the 41% who do your own taxes, using software makes it a lot easier than doing it directly on the forms. Some software products such as FreeTaxUSA are purely online. Others such as TurboTax and H&R Block offer both an online service and software for download, which you install on your computer.
Most people choose to use the online service. TurboTax reported that 80% of the returns it handled came from its online products. When you have a choice between buying the software you install on your computer and paying to use the service online, you are better off buying the software download.
Prices
If you must pay, prices for online software are usually higher than software download.
I compared the prices for federal-only, without state on a random day:
| Federal-Only | Online | Download (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax, Deluxe edition | $54 | $40 |
| H&R Block, Deluxe edition | $50 | $25 |
I also compared the prices for federal plus one state, including e-file for both federal and state:
| Federal + State | Online | Download (Amazon) |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax, Deluxe + State edition | $103 | $50 + $25 state e-file |
| H&R Block, Deluxe + State edition | $95 | $30 + $25 state e-file |
When you do a state return online, the prices automatically include state e-file. The software download with state return only includes the preparation part of it. E-filing the state return requires an extra $25 fee. I added $25 to the prices of the software download for an apples-to-apples comparison.
I think $25 for just e-filing the state return is too high when the whole software with all the complex logic for both federal and state returns is only $30 – $50. Many states accept e-file directly on the state revenue agency’s website (see Free E-File State Tax Return Directly on the State’s Website). If you are willing to file directly with the state, you can save that $25 and get the software at half the price for doing it online.
Features
Not only is the software download less expensive but it also has more features than the same-named edition online. For instance, if you sold investments with capital gains or losses, the online Deluxe edition of TurboTax or H&R Block software can’t handle it. You’d have to upgrade to TurboTax Premier or H&R Block Premium. However, the Deluxe edition of the software download includes handling capital gains or losses. That makes the software download even less expensive when compared to a required higher edition of the online product.
The software download also makes it easier to access the tax forms. If you are familiar with the forms you can toggle between the interview and the forms to confirm that you answered the questions correctly. The added transparency makes it so much easier to troubleshoot when you have problems.
Lower prices and more features give an advantage to the software download.
Multiple Returns
The online product is designed to be used by only one person. If other people in the family need to use it, they must register separately and pay again.
After you install the software download to your computer, you can use it for multiple returns. It can be for a married couple filing separately. Or it can be for filing returns for children or parents. The software download includes five free federal e-files for this purpose. If you need to do more than five returns, you can buy another copy.
Access to Previous Years
With the downloaded software, if you ever need to amend a previous year’s return, you can always fire up or re-install the previous year’s program. If you used online software, by the time the year rolls over, the online software is automatically updated for the next year. There’s a process to get to a previous year’s return but it’s much more difficult.
Filing versus Planning
Online software is designed for after-the-fact filing. You work on only your actual return. It’s difficult to create multiple versions under the same user and compare the effects of different moves. If you’d like to see how much that 1099 cost you in taxes, you can delete it but you will have to re-enter it before filing.
The downloaded software works with data files. It’s easy to create a copy of the data file and name it something else. Then you delete that 1099 in the copy and compare the results. You won’t mess up your original data file. For instance, you can see the effect of how making more money will affect your ACA tax credit, how contributing to Traditional 401k versus Roth 401k will affect your taxes, what if you earned higher interest and less in dividends, and so on. Besides filing your tax return, the installed software is also a powerful planning tool.
It’s much more difficult to do this type of what-if analysis with online software. You can register with two different email addresses, one for filing and the other for planning, but you will have to enter your data twice and be careful to keep them in sync. You will have to remember to undo the changes you made in the planning profile to go back to the baseline before you make additional changes for planning purposes.
Switching Vendors
If you ever want to switch from one vendor to another, it’s very easy with the downloaded software. TurboTax is able to import the previous year’s tax return created by H&R Block, and H&R Block is able to import the previous year’s tax file created by TurboTax. When you use online software, it’s more difficult to switch because the competing online software can’t get into your online account with another vendor to import your data.
Who Holds the Data
When you use online software your data are with the software vendors. Although we haven’t heard any hacking incidents at tax software vendors, many other places have been hacked. It’s also possible to fall for phishing when you use an online service.
When you use software installed on your computer, you have your data file. You can put your data file on a thumb drive and only plug it in when you’re doing your taxes. When you’re not doing your taxes, your data file isn’t connected to the Internet at all.
With all these advantages tilting toward downloaded software, why do so many people do their taxes online? It beats me. Besides awareness and marketing, I can think of only two reasons.
Operating System Compatibility
Online software is compatible with a wider variety of devices. You can use it with Linux, Chromebook, or tablets, whereas the software download typically only works with Windows or Mac. Sometimes the software also requires a more recent version of the operating system.
When you use the software online, you don’t have to worry about installing the software. The installed software usually requires several updates before it’s finalized. The online software is updated automatically in the cloud.
Online software clearly has an advantage here. However, if you have a Windows or Mac computer, installing and updating software only requires a few clicks. It takes just a minute.
Possible to Get It Free
Through a partnership with tax software companies, the IRS offers Free File to people with income below a threshold. The cutoff is $73,000 in Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the 2021 tax year, which covers 70% of all taxpayers. Unfortunately, only about 3% of all taxpayers actually use Free File because the government doesn’t have a large marketing budget.
Free File is completely online. There is no software download option. The two largest tax software vendors Intuit (TurboTax) and H&R Block already left the Free File program. Also, some Free File vendors only cover federal returns. You may still have to pay for state returns when you use Free File.
It’s also possible to get it free from the tax software companies themselves. FreeTaxUSA offers free federal returns with no limit on income or any restriction on features. TurboTax and H&R Block both offer a free edition with limited features. If you choose to use FreeTaxUSA or if you don’t require any of the features excluded by TurboTax or H&R Block, it’s possible to get to use the online software free of charge.
However, the free, limited-feature editions of TurboTax and H&R Block are subject to upgrade traps. You thought you didn’t need any features not covered by the free editions, but after you’re halfway into entering your data, the software tells you that one small thing you need isn’t covered. Now you face the choice to start over somewhere else or relent and upgrade to a paid edition. That’s why they offer the free teaser edition in the first place.
Again, all these possibilities are only online. There is no free software download. Online software has an advantage here if you know for sure you’re able to get it free, but many end up paying more after being lured by marketing.
Conclusion
Except for operating system compatibility and the possibility to get it free, all other factors give advantages to the downloaded software. Although it sounds like more old school, if you must pay, the software you install on your own computer is both less expensive and more powerful.
If you already use online software, it’s possible to switch to software download by the same vendor and carry over all your data. TurboTax gave these instructions: How do I switch from TurboTax Online to the TurboTax software? Contact H&R Block support if you’d like to do the same with H&R Block.
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Maura says
Are you familiar with the IRS Free File program? If you meet certain criteria, such as income and age, you are eligible to use the software of various companies for free.
I realize that using an online tax prep does contribute to the security issues you mentioned, however, good for the old wallet?
allan says
how do you get the spread sheet
Disgruntled ex-turbotax user says
Ah, the issue of multiple returns. This can be an issue even if you’re completing a return for just one person, but they need to file with multiple states. You can’t do that on-line. Believe me, I tried!
The other problem with the on-line versions is that they do not allow you to pull up the actual forms. Last year, Turbotax made an error on one of my forms in the on-line version. It was very easy to correct (uncheck a box), but I could not do so through the interview process. I was told by their staff that they disable access to the actual tax forms in the on-line versions.
Furthermore, let me also point out that some states allow free state filing on their websites. The state programs offered by Turbotax et all do nothing but import your federal information. I’ve actually found it easier to do my state tax returns “by hand” on the state website. It also saves me lots of money, because I can get the basic software versions ($4.95 for Turbotax, and free for Taxcut) instead of having to buy one with a state included.
Harry Sit says
Thank you for bringing up the free state filing programs offered by the states.
Don says
I still do it on paper. Yes, I even read the books. And frankly I’ve done better than the professionals I’ve hired (because I later caught things that they should have caught for what they were paid).
I do use a spreadsheet to predict things forward for the next year. But there’s nothing like understanding taxes for yourself. For example, I’m pondering already how the “stimulus payment” is likely to change things for me next year.
Rick says
Hi Harry-can you share where you purchased the $40 “package?”
Thanks,
Rick
Gabe M says
TaxAct just effectively ended its desktop software. One has to go online and sign in through their server to get back into one’s own desktop computer and use the “desktop” program. They claim the IRS made them do this. It is insane! They force you to be online and thereby exposing yourself to attacks. The IRS only asked software companies to build in password security which they had any way. There was not hing forced.
No sense in this!
Olivier says
What do you all think of https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home
It looks good to get a good understanding of the mechanisms and allows one to easily and instantaneously see the effects of a cell change.
However, I don’t know how to cope with the state returns if using this.
Thanks for any thoughts.
abc says
I don’t see any comments to the old post. Can anyone provide further information on this excel workbook? Like, is it safe to download?
Harry Sit says
It’s safe. I downloaded it. It works well for projecting the federal income tax if you are familiar with the forms. It doesn’t do everything (for example calculating the Saver’s Credit). Tax software still works better but if you can’t use the tax software (no Windows or Mac computer), it’s a good second choice for planning purposes.
Garry says
404 error- not found
Olivier says
I have a Linux PC instead of Microsoft Windows PC so I cannot use the desktop version of TurboTax, Taxcut.
Barbara B says
This year I discovered that I can get a free TurboTax Premium version from Fidelity. I found the link at the bottom of my All Accounts page after I purchased the 2018 download. It appears to give free Federal and State returns. Not sure if it’s the online version only or available for download. Someone mentioned that the free version is available to accounts with a certain value.
Harry Sit says
The free offer can be used for either the online service or the software download, although it’s not as obvious how you would get the download. From people who did it — At the top of the page, pull down on “Products & Pricing” and select “CD/Download products.”
abc says
Thank you Barbara. I had stopped using TurboTax years ago because it was expensive. I just downloaded the premium version for free, which lists for $109.99. Also, the instructions Harry provided for accessing the download were very helpful.
Anthony Goczalk says
Hi Harry,
I really enjoy your blog and most times I agree with your point of view 100%. On this topic, I must disagree with you (and as it turns out most of your other comment posts). Since I switched to using a Chromebook about 5 years ago (and yes, using the cloud for my hard drive) … my life has become much less complex and I have saved money to boot. My first Chromebook was $150 plus tax. The cloud for my drive, is $25 per year. So when you are comparing costs of your download/CD versus an online access program…you are not including the cost difference of the actual machine in your equation. What does a Windows or Mac cost these days? I have no idea! How much time do you devote to maintaining the OS of said machine? I literally spend zero time on OS updates (they are done automatically with a reboot) and zero time keeping up with the latest anti-virus program (plus $$$) … and according to “folks in the know”, a Chromebook is the safest way to be on the net. As far as safety, yes, places are being hacked. If Turbotax (my vendor of choice) exposes my data, at this point in time, I will be very surprised … If Google is hacked (my online drive) … we are ALL in trouble! So you have to ask yourself are you safer on your Windows machine (exposing your data) or at Turbotax or Google???
Refiling an old return? I just had to do such a thing, refiling my 2013 and 2014 returns … I found the online programming very easy (you do have to commit to one vendor for ease) to get the job done. I have nightmares thinking about what I would have had to do if the return was on an old program and computer. My first computer was in 1984. I came up through the DOS/Windows lineage. I can not imagine going back to that now…what a PITA dealing with those machines – especially as they aged.
The last issue is planning…there is an app for that! Turbotax now has a planning app that will load on your phone (and if you have a newer Chromebook, there too, because they now load Android apps)
Sorry for the long post … but cost, history, safety and planning all go to the online program. I will give you access to the actual forms … they used to allow that online and now they don’t. I can live with that!
Harry Sit says
Obviously no one would buy a machine only for the sake of using tax software. The tax software is for people who already have a Windows or Mac machine and they want a Windows or Mac machine for other reasons. I have a Chromebook too. I use my Windows machine and my Chromebook for different purposes.
With regard to the planning app, are you talking about TaxCaster? It can do some calculation but not everything in the tax software (for example, nothing on ACA tax credit or Saver’s Credit).
Johann says
“Chromebook is the safest way to be on the net.”
When I read this I spit out my coffee and haven’t stopped laughing.
Kevin says
Google doesn’t have to get hacked for your data to be exposed, only your account needs to get hacked. Tell me this, if you need to reset your google password how would you do it? Most people would get a text code to their phone for a password reset. Have you ever heard of SIM jacking? Look it up. They steal your phone number and then use it to reset passwords on everything you have. Happened to me.
Sarah Tonin says
This is one of the dumbest comments I’ve ever read
Alvin Care says
i used to buy CD since there is always sales on it but one year i installed the software and using it on my win destrop and when it comes to linking your bank/brokerage accounts they don’t allow copy paste to your password field i use password manager to generate all these bank accounts and its a nightmare to manually type these passwords from there i stopped buying software and use online filing period.
Arun says
Costco currently has TurboTax CD at a discount of $10 to 15 for in-store purchase – lower than online purchase.
Barry N says
Harry, yours is the best coverage of the tax filing software choices, IMO. I use TurboTax CD for download to my computer because I own publicly traded partnerships that issue K-1s. It tracks important information that comes into play when you sell a partnership (I don’t think the online version does that). Plus the CD version allows one to upload a K-1 file from taxpackagesupport.com rather than enter manually.
Garry says
Best review for 2007, I am reading this in 2024 and think its generally still valid- but it could use an update on some things I imagine…. one thing I JUST noticed is a new company FreeTaxUSA- believe they and others should be evaluated and included (they say free Premium Fed and only $14.95 to eFile state -which would be great if legit !- I will at least try to see if they are legit).
Harry Sit says
FreeTaxUSA is legit but it’s 100% online. They don’t produce downloadable software.
Olivier Schreiber says
I think the ability to trivially do whatif scenarios is capital.
Because of my Linux Desktop, I use the cheaper TaxAct online program
but the ergonomy and lack of other features is a drag.
For whatif scenarios, I put dummy values is some replies, change them up and down
and see the effects on the running Tax totals.
Also, when I checked https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home/changes
it was missing:
Form 2106 OMB No. 1545-0074 Employee Business Expenses
Form 8829 OMB No. 1545-0074 Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
Form 4562 OMB No. 1545-0172 Depreciation and Amortization
So even if State tax is easy as mentioned earlier, that is is still a problem about excel1040.
What do all readers think about Turbo vs HR vs TaxAct?
Thanks
Bob says
TaxAct is my choice over TurboTax. TurboTax(INTUIT) always tries to charge for “extras” halfway through.
FinancialDave says
IRS sponsored free tax help is not necessarily income limited nor age restricted.
The IRS sponsored AARP sites (AARP Foundation Tax-Aide) do not limit help by age or income, however there are items that show up ocassionally that do put returns out of scope, like self-employed business expenses > $25k, some types of bond income on taxable accounts, depreciation of assets, and some K-1 income so check with your local office. There are sites in all 50 states.
https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2018/aarp-tax-help-fd.html
Some other sites such as VITA/TCE do try to focus on the elderly.
Almost every large city in the US has at least one or the other of these types of sites so check online for your city.
Dave
Harry Sit says
I suppose those in-person help would fall under the 59% of e-filed returns done by a tax professional.
Lindy says
Good points made in the article and comments.
I used to always use a CD or download, and to make sure I and the software were correct, would fill out (but not submit) a return on a competitor’s online site using a made-up name and social security number. I found, too, that sometimes the way questions were asked were clearer in another program. However, the year the ACA went into effect, I had bought H&R Block early and was strung along with messages “We’re still working on these calculations” only to be left hanging at the end of March with a message to the effect of “We decided to not accommodate ACA. Go to a physical office.” So, I was out my money *and* flipping mad, having been a long-time customer who was used to their platform.
Now, I’m afraid to buy a CD or download lest it fail to meet my needs or the program was never intended to handle my situation. I moved on to TaxAct online (for about $30-40; TurboTax is about $100), but I do not like doing taxes online, for the various reasons you noted.
It is also ridiculously confusing trying to figure out what iteration of the program I need. Seems to change every year, and as you noted, online is not the same as offline, but they don’t really tell you this or offer details. Why must they make it so hard?! This is another reason TaxAct currently has my business, despite being a clunky platform: They offer a freelancer version. Usually self-employment catapults me into the same super-expensive tier of software that “real” businesses need.
As a side note, ACA has complicated my taxes greatly, and I have found that if I input the same info into different software, I get somewhat different results. I greatly dislike not getting the exact same results, because I should.
Harry Sit says
I ran into that problem in H&R Block for 2014 as well. It caught up in the following year. Both TurboTax and H&R Block offer a no-question-asked money back guarantee for their software (downloaded or on a CD) whether you bought directly from them or through a retailer. I took them up on it in different years. They both honored it without any hassle.
Have you checked TaxACT’s prices this year? Unless you get a discount, I see the price for the online Self Employed+ edition at $90 for federal + state. For my service-based self-employment (no inventory, no hard assets), the Deluxe + State version of the download/CD product always worked just fine. It’s $35-40 right now. H&R Block Deluxe + State sometimes goes on sale for under $20 on Amazon.
Barbara says
Before knowing I could get TurboTax Premium for free at Fidelity, I’ve purchased it from Amazon – the best price I’ve found on the web. Quite a bit less than the Intuit price.
roland torres says
Harry, any thoughts on Credit Karma tax online service? Filing looks free and reputable company?
https://www.creditkarma.com/tax
Harry Sit says
I haven’t tried it but I don’t like the model. I would pay $13 to use FreeTaxUSA for federal and state if I prefer online, but when H&R Block Deluxe + State software is on sale for under $20, it’s already inexpensive enough for me.
Peter says
I just purchased Turbotax from Amazon. To download it requires that you install Amazon’s Games and Software Installer. I was unable to accomplish this even after spending 20 minutes with Amazon support. They finally gave me a full refund under their “one time exception” rule. I’ve never purchased software from Amazon and don’t plan to in the future. Way too much trouble!!
Harry Sit says
Try the CD then? It’s the same price as the download with free shipping.
Gordon Shedd says
For some reason the TT Premier Download on Amazon now costs $15 more than the Premier CD ($70 download vs $55 CD)?? Premier supposedly does more than Deluxe for those with capital gains and rental property income and expenses.
Harry Sit says
You can start with Deluxe. If you see you need more, you can upgrade to Premier within the program.
RW says
First time to your blog thinking about another issue, but happend on to this tax post. The point about maintaining and paying for a computer is not a bad one. You are a business person and are very familiar with your computer and probably have a more sophisticated back up system. Many average users to not have the expertise to do everything it takes to order, install, use, maintain, organize, secure, backup software/data on their computer. It all takes much more time too. Not just a few minutes of installing the software. I can not imagine going back to installing software on my computer every year. The cost are absolutely not just the cost of the CD or download. Online all my returns are easily accessible and the new tax year, starting and importing is done so quickly. In this case time is money for sure. You do have some good points, but I don’t think you factor in computer/backup cost, ease of use and amount of time enough. Look forward to reading many more of your posts.
Ed W. says
Hi Harry, my first visit after stumbling on to site. Read and love your article Download/CD vs online tax preparation.
I always use Download or CD (preferred) for all the reasons you mentioned. I have used TaxCut, TT and HRB On my PC laptop. Overall, I prefer TaxCut by far. Used TT 2018 CD, was ok but q&a is not clear enough, especially for novice in taxes. Even worse is lack of decent Next Year Planning. In general, paid reviewers articles regarding tax software is cursuary (so?). Your review is far better.
Two last Cmts:
CD is being phased out industry-wide.
State modules that TT (others?) Provide as downloads are often not product on TT, they can be poor quality and just confuse the unwitting tax preparer.
Thanks for you Blog (?)
Ed W. says
Hi Harry, my first visit after stumbling on to site. Read and love your article Download/CD vs online tax preparation.
I always use Download or CD (preferred) for all the reasons you mentioned. I have used TaxCut, TT and HRB On my PC laptop. Overall, I prefer TaxCut by far. Used TT 2018 CD, was ok but q&a is not clear enough, especially for novice in taxes. Even worse is lack of decent Next Year Planning. In general, paid reviewers articles regarding tax software is cursuary (sp?). Your review is far better.
Two last Cmts:
All CD/DVD is being phased out world-wide. Internet downloads only in future.
State modules that TT (others?) Provide as downloads are often not product on TT, they can be poor quality and just confuse the unwitting tax preparer.
Thanks for you Blog (?)
Olivier Schreiber says
Hi Ed,
I have used TaxAct and would like to check TT and HRB (TaxCut). Could you elaborate more on your comparison?
(I also tried this year the free CreditKarma and it was not bad but I was blocked at the end by a limitation of business expenses to only 1 vehicle so had to fall back on TaxAct)
I have the following wishlist after having used TaxAct which keeps getting more expensive without adding any feature or improve ergonomics :
1)Divide browser display area into one part for interview process and the other for the filing form or worksheet as it is getting computed (Turbo Tax and Tax Cut have this capability)
2)Allow the viewing of 2 or more different pages in different tabs to be able to enter data more consistently.
3)Provide a `Refresh’ or `Recompute’ button to update the Federal and State owe or refund amounts instead of having to advance the interview process.
4)Replace serial interview coverage of topics by random access
5)Provide a 1040 spreadsheet along with its state versions by loooking at this https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home
Thanks!
Mark says
If you need to do an amended return, Turbotax makes you download an abbreviated version of the desktop version. You can’t do that on a chromebook, so if you have to do an amended return, you’re stuck. Many companies these days like to send tax docs out very late and this can require an amended return.
Mike says
Hi Harry, Thanks for your review. The biggest reason I’m considering TurboTax Online is for the Live feature, where a tax professional will do a one-on-one review of your return prior to filing (plus year round access to live tax advice). I haven’t made my decision yet, but live isn’t available (that I see) with the CD version, so the only choice then is the online if you want the live feature. The question I’m trying to answer is whether the live version makes the switch to online worthwhile? I’ve been using TurboTax desktop since 1989.
Thank you!
Harry Sit says
Only you can answer that question. I don’t know what complications you have this year over previous years or whether your needs can be covered by normal product and community support. If you want someone to review your return, that’s the extra price you will have to pay. It turns a ~$40 software deal into a ~$200 software + human setup.
Andy says
I’m looking for a piece of tax software that does not require me to connect to the internet to do the installation. I’ve done that many previous years with TurboTax, but not this year, Also tried HR Block last night – same problem. Why do they sell a CD product if I need the internet to install it? More importantly, does anyone offer 2019 tax software that does NOT require the internet for installation? Thanks.
FinancialDave says
Andy,
I think the answer is simple. If you are going to make tax software and people are going to file to the IRS from it – paper copy or otherwise, it needs to be ACCURATE. How do you make it accurate when a lot of the tax rules and calculations usually are changing past Dec 31st of the previous year? Make people download the most current copy. Otherwise it is way too expensive for any company to keep shipping CDs every time an update is needed. Also, piracy of the software becomes an issue if anyone can copy and use it.
Andy says
I’m fine with online updates, I just don’t want to be online during the initial install. There’s too much going on in the background which I can’t see and over which I have no control. With an online update, I can download the file, turn off internet access, and install the update. I have a bit more control, or at least I think I do. Maybe I’m stupid, but I don’t really trust the software companies to have unfettered access to my hard drive (ie, during the install).
FinancialDave says
Andy,
Yes, I do think you are being a bit paranoid, but I just did a test with my H&R software that I bought online. I took the executable file put it on a thumbdrive, turned off the wifi on my laptop and installed it with no problem. All you have to do for the activation page is check the box “activate later.” Even did a short return with it and saved the return. You just can’t get an official copy until the program has the latest up to date forms.
Andy says
That’s quite different than my experience. I tried to install from my CD last night with my wifi turned off, and within 30 seconds came to a hard stop, with an error message saying, essentially “you must have internet access to install this software”. Never saw any part of the software other than that message (ie, no activation page). Perhaps I’ll try again tonight. Thank you!
online only programs have too much authority says
Thank you for your article. I have been with TT for years and finally had enough when I realized the EULA includes consent to access my credit score?? I do not consent and prefer a downloadable program so that all my financial info isn’t in a cloud. I am still on the hunt for good software that doesn’t require my dna and first-born.
Dave says
Hey will the online Turbo Tax Deluxe handle the 1099R for a Backdoor Roth IRA? I would prefer to download, however my Mac would need a software update and I’m unable due to compatibility with another program.
Harry Sit says
Start with the lowest you think you need. It will ask you to upgrade if the edition you chose initially can’t handle something.
Dave Boland says
One problem with PC tax software is that you have to register (personal info) to use it, and the will spam you.
Harry Sit says
It shows a registration form but you don’t have to register.
Scott R says
I’ve been using H&R Block software for the last several years and am late (as usual) in doing my taxes and needing to buy the software this year. Previously, I’d buy the CD-ROM and then the physical box with Key Card version, but the best deals are on the download-only versions.
Is there any compelling reason why I should pay more for the Key Card version?
My understanding is that the download-only version would require me to re-download it via the online company I purchased it from, should I need to re-install it later.
BTW, one problem I’ve run into in the past is that older versions of the software may not be compatible with newer versions of your operating system (in my case, MacOS).
Harry Sit says
No reason to pay more for the key card. If you think you might lose the download and the activation key, just save a backup copy to a thumb drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
Panos says
I purchased the H&R block 2022 deluxe software download. However my employer is based in another state (I work remotely) so when I started preparing my 2022 tax the software asks me for an extra $39 to download my work state program as well, which says it is a prerequisite for filing my home state taxes. This not something I had thought about, and $39 is much more than I paid for the whole software ($25) which on the fine print, says it includes *one* free state program. Is there anything I can do to save that $39?
Harry Sit says
What triggered this need for the work state program? Just by the address of the employer? Did you have state income tax withholding in the work state? Do some research to find out whether you’re really required to file a tax return in both states. If yes, either pay the $39 as a cost of working remotely or see if either state offers a direct filing option. See Free E-File State Tax Return Directly on the State’s Website. Taxes in some states are very simple. My state just calculates off of three numbers from the federal return.
Panos says
Thank you for your reply. It was triggered because my employer withheld taxes for the work state, not my home state. When I started working on my home state return within the H&R block software, it asked me to complete the work state return first. My work state is California, so I see they have free Calfile, I guess I can do this to save the $39.
Panos says
Now I see it, I think I do not qualify for Calfile since I am not a California resident. I guess I cannot avoid the extra $39 unless I do the CA return completely on my own.
Mike Thomas says
I just saw this article and want to switch from online to desktop. One question, though. Since I’ve been using Turbotax online for a few years it knows about the money I lent to the IRS on my return last year for estimated 2022 taxes, also tax-loss carryforward amounts. I suppose it isn’t hard to find those on my 2021 return but I’m concerned there are other numbers it will need from my old return to accurately fill out the 2022 return. Does Turbotax desktop have the ability to import info from previous online Turbotax returns?
Harry Sit says
TurboTax download software can import the previous year’s info from TurboTax online. The last paragraph of this post includes a link to the instructions from TurboTax.
Ed W. says
I have used TurboTax desktop for over three years. Be aware it only imports names, addresses, last forms you filed, last AIG, TINs, IRS PIN, etc. Does NOT import dollar amounts. so be prepared to manually enter those last year $ item amounts you mentioned. I use the Forms view mostly enter $Amounts into known forms used last year. to me intuit is being deceitful about “import”, but like all corporations it’s buyer beware. so you are here by warned.
PS — You cannot simply add/create a new form (e.g. 1099-Int) within Form View mode. Must use Q&A mode and find silimar Topics list , then Add the new Form you need.
Harry Sit says
You can export the previous year’s return as a .tax file from TurboTax Online. TurboTax download then imports the .tax file. See instructions from TurboTax:
How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?
Expand the second bullet and follow “If you still want to download your .tax file.”
Derek says
PSA: TurboTax download version now requires you to agree to let Intuit share your data with its other services for any purpose (e.g., marketing):
You need to agree to these terms to use our Platform. By using the Platform, you are instructing us to share your data across our Platform for marketing, eligibility, and other purposes described in our Global Privacy Statement, consistent with applicable law. This data may include credit information and other information we obtain from third parties.
Declining these new terms closes the program.
Barbara says
I’m very frustrated because I prefer downloaded Turbotax software but resist upgrading my Mac OS further because I’d lose access to other old software purchased long ago. I switched to downloading H&R Bloch, but now they too upped the OS required, so I have to choose between using Turbotax online vs purchasing or paying annual fees for Photoshop, Quark XPress, Final Cut Pro, and other old versions that I know well and don’t really want to upgrade (and pay for) to newer versions.
Harry Sit says
Your situation falls under the exception in the “Operating System Compatibility” section. My old Windows applications still work after I upgrade Windows to a new version. It sounds like that’s not the case for Mac OS.
Kevin says
When switching from TurboTax online to desktop, when you select “Continue From TurboTax Online” and sign into your Intuit account and it says “Your data will be imported into TurboTax Desktop…” does this mean all prior year online returns and data are also imported into desktop? I’ve been using the online version for many years.
Harry Sit says
“Continue From TurboTax Online” gets the data for the same year you already started in TurboTax Online.
How do I switch from TurboTax Online to TurboTax Desktop?
If you want all your prior years’ returns, you’ll need to save each one as a separate tax data file. Each tax data file also has the carry-forward data for the following year. For instance, the .tax2023 file has the return data for 2023 and the carry forward data for 2024. When you buy TurboTax 2024 desktop software, import the .tax2023 file you save from TurboTax Online.
How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?
SSA says
Harry, I’m a long time TaxHawk/FreeTaxUSA user. For 2024, it looks like I will have to use TurboTaxDownload because TaxHawk does not support form 8881.
I’m a bit confused as to which flavor I need. I don’t have any stock transactions, but do receive a schedule K-1 from y S-corp. The business taxes are filed separately by my business CPA.
TurboTax documentation seems to indicate I will need to get Home & Business. Is it possible to use Deluxe for supporting a received schedule K-1? Could I get Deluxe and then upgrade?
Harry Sit says
Deluxe supports entering a received K-1. If you run into something it doesn’t do, the program will offer you to upgrade. Buying Deluxe plus an in-app upgrade may be $10 more than buying the higher edition outright but chances are you won’t need to upgrade.
Audrey S says
I’ve been using TurboTax for years, and switched to the downloaded version last year at your suggestion and it worked fine. Do you have any opinion on using H & R Block versus TurboTax? I see it advertised for almost half the price of TurboTax.
Harry Sit says
H&R Block download software also works unless you run into corner cases where TurboTax does better. Because you don’t know whether you have those corner cases or not, it’s better to just buy it once and run both side by side. It’s worth trying when it’s only about $25 on sale. If you see H&R Block works just as well, you’ll save 50% every year going forward. If not, you only waste $25 one time.
Jaime says
Do you still recommended the download version vs online filing options for the 2024 tax filing year? Also, I’m having trouble deciding which version of TurboTax or HR block software to use. I was kicked out of a free filing program for having more than $300 foreign taxes paid from an employee stock purchase plan form (missed it by $26). Thank you!
Harry Sit says
Yes, the Deluxe version. TurboTax Deluxe desktop version works better for foreign tax credit.