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January 15, 2025
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Online vs desktop for mac tax year 2024

  • January 15, 2025
  • 2 replies
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My Macbook operating system can no longer be updated, so I can't download the 2024 Turbotax. Can I use the online version?

    Best answer by VolvoGirl

    Yes.  If you can’t install the Desktop program you can switch to the Online version.  Then you can transfer your prior year returns from the Desktop program into the Online version.

     

    If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

     

    If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2024 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

     

    Start an Online return here,

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

    2 replies

    VolvoGirl
    VolvoGirlAnswer
    Employee
    January 15, 2025

    Yes.  If you can’t install the Desktop program you can switch to the Online version.  Then you can transfer your prior year returns from the Desktop program into the Online version.

     

    If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online/00/25953

     

    If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.  You can only do 1 return.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2024 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.  In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something.  You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

     

    Start an Online return here,

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

    diana123Author
    January 15, 2025

    Thank you so much for both the clear answer and the links!

    Employee
    January 15, 2025

    I assume you used the desktop product last year and have a *.tax2023 data file on your computer.   You can transfer it into your 2024 online return once you begin answering the initial questions to choose an online product.   Here's how:

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/transfer-last-year-return-turbotax-online/L279eUvY2_US_en_US

     

    See VolvoGirl's posting that follows below for additional info.

    diana123Author
    January 15, 2025

    Thank you so much!