What is the difference between accessing turbo tax online and buying the software at costco? Price difference is more than double for same level (home&business).

Desktop software

Every version has all forms and schedules

Forms mode to see all forms as you work and “what if” feature 

Can e-file up to five federal returns and their associated state returns

If you have more than five federal returns the additional ones can be mailed

Tax file is stored on your own hard drive

Always available even after tax season ends

State e-file fee is an extra fee.   State can be mailed to avoid e-file fee

Desktop is more cost effective for multiple returns for family members, etc.

Desktop software is available from Intuit or from various retailers—prices vary

Only works on full PC or Mac—not on any mobile devices

Online Software

Forms and schedules supported vary by which version you use

No Forms mode, but you can “preview” Form 1040 and Schedules 1, 2, or 3 before filing

One return per fee

Separate fees for federal and state returns

Each return needs its own account and user ID

Tax file is stored in online account for seven years

Online software only available on Intuit site

Can be used on any device with internet access

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.

When you use desktop software, there is an additional fee to e-file a state return.  You can avoid that fee if you print, sign and mail the state return. 

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

ONLINE 2024

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