can you actually just buy and download turbotax without starting your tax return on-line

Yes!  You can buy Turbo Tax at several stores like Costco, Sam’s, etc.   Where can I buy Turbo Tax Desktop program?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/where-can-i-buy-the-turbotax-software/00/25893

You can buy the Desktop Download program directly from Turbo Tax here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

2024 Desktop System Requirements

TurboTax® Desktop 2023-2024 System Requirements

Then How to install and Activate the Desktop Download program with a License Code

How to install TurboTax CD/Download software with license code

Yes, of course.

2024 TURBOTAX

DOWNLOAD (This requires a full PC or Mac—-cannot be used on a mobile device)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

You can also purchase the desktop download from various retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Sam’s Club, etc. etc. etc.

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-mac-software/00/25609

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-system-requirements/minimum-system-requirements-turbotax-windows/L8ZSsGqF1_US_en_US?uid=lph06daf