- Buyer's Guide - Should I use TurboTax Online or Desktop?
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Buyer's Guide - Should I use TurboTax Online or Desktop?
Updated: 1/22/2009
Article ID: 5343
Choosing between TurboTax Online and Desktop can be difficult if you don’t have all of the details. 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 have 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 2008 System Requirements.
- Desktop - Higher system requirements than online. For details, see TurboTax 2008 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, unlimited 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 - E-file up to three state returns per federal return filed electronically. (Each federal and state return is paid for separately and the cost of e-filing is included.)
- Desktop - E-file up to three state returns per federal return filed electronically. (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.