Buyer's Guide - Should I use TurboTax Online or Desktop?

Updated: 12/19/2011

Article ID: GEN12410

Choosing between TurboTax Online and Desktop is easy when you have all the details. For example, with TurboTax Online you can prepare your return and e-file from any computer with Internet access. TurboTax Desktop needs to be installed on your personal computer.

We listed the major differences between TurboTax Online and Desktop below. Take a moment to review the differences before you pick one.

Purchasing the product

Online - Free to try. Don't pay until you print or e-file.
Desktop - Purchase software on CD from a retail store or directly from TurboTax. Or, purchase over the Web for download.

Accessing or installing the product

Online - Nothing to install. Prepare your return and e-file from any computer with Internet access.
Desktop - Install purchased product from a CD or download and install on your personal computer.

System requirements

Online - Lower system requirements than desktop. For details, see TurboTax System Requirements.
Desktop - Higher system requirements than online. For details, see TurboTax System Requirements.

Storing your return

Online - Store your tax information securely online for access from multiple computers.
Desktop - Save your tax information to your computer or disk.

Completing your return

Online - Step-by-step Interview questions make tax preparation simple.
Desktop - Step-by-step Interview questions and the ability to view and complete tax forms just as they appear on paper.

Multiple returns

Online - E-file, or print and mail multiple federal returns as long as each has a unique User ID and Password.
Desktop - Prepare and print multiple returns. E-file up to five federal returns.

State returns

Online - Prepare and e-file up to three state returns per e-filed federal return. (Each federal and state return is paid for separately and the cost of e-filing is included.)
Desktop - Prepare and print multiple state returns, but you can only e-file up to three state returns per e-filed federal return. (Note that each federal and state e-file must be paid for separately.)

Updating the product

Online - Updates are automatic—no downloads required.
Desktop - Download updates from the Web.

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Buyer's Guide - Should I use TurboTax Online or Desktop?

Purchasing the product

Accessing or installing the product

System requirements

Storing your return

Completing your return

Multiple returns

State returns

Updating the product

Support

Tax Advice and Help

Choosing Tax Preparation Software

Why TurboTax

Personal Income Tax Preparation

Small Business Tax Preparation

Tax Calculators and Tools