How to Switch From TurboTax Online to Desktop

TurboTax comes in two main flavors. The online version runs in your browser with nothing to install. The desktop version is software you install on a Windows or Mac computer that stores your data locally. Each one has its trade-offs in pricing, features, and how many returns you can prepare.

This is an independent guide and not affiliated with Intuit.

Common reasons to move to desktop include:

• The ability to prepare multiple federal returns under one purchase, which can suit families.
• More detailed forms-mode access for those who like to see the actual forms.
• Keeping your tax data on your own computer rather than online.
• Pricing that some find more predictable for complex returns.

It's easiest to switch early. If you've barely started online, you might simply prefer to begin fresh in the desktop software. If you've already entered a lot, moving your in-progress data over saves that work. Make the call before you finish so you're not redoing entries.

To carry your work over, you generally save your online return as a tax data file, then open that file in the desktop software. Install the desktop product for the same tax year, then use its option to open or import the file you saved. Follow the program prompts so the transfer finishes cleanly.

After you move, review your return carefully in the desktop software. Confirm that income, deductions, and personal details all came across correctly. A careful review now keeps you from filing with a gap that slipped through during the move.

One practical note: switching means you're using the desktop product, which is a separate purchase from the online version. Be mindful of paying twice. Check the current options on the official site, and only pay for the version you'll actually file with.