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June 4, 2019
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Where can I find turbotax serial number? Does Turbotax ask it before file tax return? Thank you.

  • June 4, 2019
  • 6 replies
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    Best answer by ErickaY

    No serial number is needed to process TurboTax. Thanks for asking!

    6 replies

    Employee
    June 4, 2019
    I'm not familiar with a TurboTax serial number.  But TurboTax doesn't ask for that.   What is making you think you need such?

    What product are you using--Online TurboTax (web version) or installed software (CD/download)?
    November 10, 2020

    online

    Critter-3
    November 10, 2020

    @reedycpa 

     

    You posted to an OLD thread and asked nothing ... also if you are a CPA you cannot be using the Turbotax program for business.   So start a new thread of your own and ask a complete question if you still need help.

    June 4, 2019
    Hello. I use CD. This is the first time I use Turbotax. For another software they will ask serial number. So I think Turbotax should have something similar to control license. Thank you.
    ErickaY
    Community Manager
    ErickaYCommunity ManagerAnswer
    Community Manager
    June 4, 2019

    No serial number is needed to process TurboTax. Thanks for asking!

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
    July 11, 2020

    I just loaded TurboTax into my computer (bought it several months ago) and it asked for my serial number.  I didn't keep the packing slip.

    July 11, 2020

    Actually, it is asking for my Activation number, not my serial number.

    Employee
    June 4, 2019

    No.  A user does not have to enter any product serial number in order to file a return.   I don't know if TurboTax tracks it by another method, but there is nothing to enter in that regard at the user level.

    TurboTax does keep track of the number of efiles.  With the desktop product, one can prepare multiple Federal returns, but there is a limit of 5 Federal efiles (IRS rule.)

    Employee
    June 4, 2019
    tf104493 :
    Why do you think that?   I'm not finding other forum threads on it, and have not seen other users asking about it.   If there is any number that a state requires, it is likely sent  by the program in the background in the software code.  I don't know of any serial number for a user to enter.  Where would most people even get such a serial number, since most users don't use a CD?

    Some filers use Online TurboTax and others use CD/download software.   So there's no way for online users or download users to have any serial number for self-entry.

    This appears to be your first post in the forum, at least under that username.  I'll ask a Moderator to review this situation tomorrow.
    September 13, 2019

    There are a couple of reasons why you might need a serial number:

     

    When using TurboTax Desktop (CD), in the event that you need to upgrade the product (like, if you accidentally purchased the wrong version, i.e. you purchased Basic, but need Deluxe) or if you are going to e-file your state return, you’ll see a "Let's Complete Your Purchase Online" screen. See picture below:

    When you click continue, if for any reason, you’re unable to complete the purchase on your own, and click on the “We can help you here.” link…

    … the next screen – “Purchase By Phone” will have the number to call along with a serial number to provide the support person. See picture below:

     

    The other reason you might need to locate a serial number is if you purchased a CD and then realized your computer/laptop doesn’t have a CD drive. In this case what you’ll need to do is call customer support and provide the 6 digit CD ASM number (sometimes also referred to as the serial number) from the front of your CD to verify your purchase. No other codes from the box will work. You can view the full instructions here:

    I bought the CD but my computer doesn't have a CD drive.

    March 7, 2020

    Yes, technically there is a 6 digit ASMD number on the inner ring of the CD, which is difficult to see.   However, the customer is never in need for it.   All of the examples you are giving is where the agent needs a software- processed serial number in order to provide a system-processed confirmation number in order to add the e-file option.    Those serial numbers change every time you click on "we can help you here."

     

    It is the ACTIVATION NUMBER which is in regular need by the customer.

     

     

    April 15, 2025

    TurboTax Desktop sometimes requires the serial number of your product to unlock your state download. If you are using TurboTax Desktop and your product asks for a confirmation code to download your state, you will need to call TurboTax support and tell them that you need to place an order to unlock a state and get a confirmation code. You will need to give the agent your serial number to process the order for the confirmation code. TurboTax support will walk you through the steps to enter the confirmation code and unlock your state download. There is no extra charge for getting the confirmation code. This is the only time you will need a serial number for a TurboTax product. The TurboTax Online products never require a serial number.