Installation6 min read

How to Install TurboTax on a Mac

The Mac version installs a little differently than Windows. We'll show you how to open the disk image, move TurboTax into Applications, and get it activated.

Heads up: InstallTurboTax.us is an independent, taxpayer-friendly help site. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Intuit Inc. or TurboTax®, and we are here only to make your tax software easier to use. Always verify pricing and features on the official TurboTax site. Full disclaimer.

What you need first

Before you dive in, gather the essentials so your install doesn't stall halfway through.

Your 16-character license code from the CD sleeve or your purchase email.
A Mac that meets the current macOS requirement for the tax year you're filing.
About 1 GB of free space, plus a little room for state products.
An internet connection for activation and updates.

A quick heads-up: we're an independent resource and not connected to Intuit. Always verify product details on the official TurboTax site.

Step 1: Open the installer

If you downloaded TurboTax, open your Downloads folder and double-click the file ending in .dmg. This mounts a disk image and opens a window with the TurboTax installer inside.

If you have a CD, insert it and open the disc icon that pops up on your desktop or in Finder. You'll find the same installer in there.

Step 2: Move TurboTax to Applications

In the installer window, you'll usually see the TurboTax icon sitting next to a shortcut for your Applications folder. Just drag the TurboTax icon onto the Applications folder to copy it over. This is the standard way Mac apps get installed.

If the version you have uses a guided installer instead, no problem, just follow the on-screen prompts and click through to the end.

Step 3: Open the app and clear security prompts

Open Applications and double-click TurboTax. The first time you launch a downloaded app, macOS might warn you that it came from the internet. Click Open to confirm you trust it.

If macOS puts up more of a fight, head to System Settings, then Privacy and Security, and look for an Open Anyway option near the bottom of that screen.

Step 4: Enter your license code and update

When prompted, type in your 16-character license code. Keep an eye out for zeros versus the letter O. Once it's accepted, let TurboTax download the latest updates so your forms and calculations are right up to date.

You can run the update check again later from the program menu if anything seems out of date as the season goes on.

Troubleshooting on macOS

A few things tend to come up on the Mac:

App won't open: make sure your macOS version meets the requirement for that tax year. Older releases of TurboTax don't run on the newest macOS, and the reverse is true too.
Disk image won't mount: the download may be incomplete. Delete the file and download it fresh.
Code rejected: retype it and confirm it matches the correct tax year.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Mac version the same as the Windows version?＋

The features are very similar, though a few advanced options differ between platforms. Both let you prepare and file your federal and state returns right from your own computer.

Can I use a Windows license code on a Mac?＋

A desktop license code generally works with the matching tax year no matter the platform, but be sure to download the Mac build of the software rather than the Windows installer.