Taxes can be daunting, but thankfully, tools like TurboTax make the process much smoother. If you've purchased a downloadable version of TurboTax and are wondering how to share it, whether that means installing it on another one of your own computers or perhaps sharing it with a family member, you've come to the right place. Let's demystify this process!
Understanding TurboTax Download and Licensing: What You Need to Know First
Before we dive into the "how-to," it's absolutely crucial to understand the nuances of TurboTax's licensing. This is where most confusion arises. While TurboTax desktop software often allows installation on multiple computers you own (typically up to 5), it's generally not designed for sharing with other individuals in a way that allows them to use the software under their own separate Intuit accounts without accessing yours. Recent changes, starting around Tax Year 2023, have enforced that the license code is linked to a single Intuit account.
What does this mean for you?
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You can usually install it on several computers you personally own.
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Each installation will require you to log in with the same Intuit account that the software was purchased and registered under.
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While you can prepare multiple tax returns (often up to 5 federal e-files) using one license, these returns are typically separate data files stored on the computer where they were prepared, not linked to your online Intuit account for viewing by others.
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Sharing your login credentials with others, even family, is generally a violation of the End User License Agreement (EULA) and can have privacy implications, as they would be logging into your personal Intuit account.
Now, let's proceed with the guide, keeping these important points in mind.
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| How To Share Turbotax Download |
Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Manage and "Share" Your TurboTax Download
Let's get started! Are you ready to optimize your TurboTax usage?
Step 1: Locating Your TurboTax Download and Product Information
First things first, you need to find your purchased software and its associated license code. Without these, you won't be able to install it anywhere.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Download File
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If you purchased directly from TurboTax.com:
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Go to
TurboTax.comand sign in to your Intuit account. It's vital to use the same User ID you used to purchase the software. If you have multiple accounts, you might need to try signing in with different IDs. -
Once logged in, navigate to the "Downloads" or "Products & Billing" section. You should see your purchased TurboTax version listed there.
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Select the version you wish to download (e.g., TurboTax Deluxe 2024). This will initiate the download of the installer file to your computer.
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If you purchased from a retailer (e.g., Amazon, Costco, Staples) and received a download link or CD:
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Check your email for the purchase confirmation. This email typically contains a direct download link and your product license code.
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If you received a physical CD, simply insert it into your computer's CD/DVD drive. The installer should auto-run. If not, browse the CD to find the setup file (e.g.,
setup.exeorinstall.dmg).
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Sub-heading: Retrieving Your License Code
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Your license code is paramount for installation and activation.
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From your Intuit Account: Your license code is generally stored within your "Products & Billing" or "Downloads" section on
TurboTax.comafter you've signed in. -
From your purchase confirmation email: Many retailers and TurboTax directly send the license code in the email confirming your purchase. Keep this email safe!
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On the CD packaging: If you bought a physical CD, the license code is usually printed on a sticker inside the CD case.
Make sure to write down or securely save your license code once you find it. You'll need it for each installation.
Step 2: Installing TurboTax on Another Computer You Own
This is the most common and supported form of "sharing" your TurboTax download. You can install it on up to 5 computers that you personally own.
Sub-heading: Preparing the Target Computer
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Ensure System Requirements: Before installing, make sure the target computer meets the minimum system requirements for your specific TurboTax year. You can usually find these on the TurboTax website or the product packaging.
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Close Other Applications: It's good practice to close any other programs running on your computer to prevent conflicts during installation. Some users even recommend temporarily disabling antivirus software, though this is often not strictly necessary.
Sub-heading: Executing the Installation
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Transfer the Downloaded Installer (if necessary): If you downloaded the installer on a different computer, you'll need to transfer it to the target computer. You can do this via:
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USB drive: Copy the installer file (
.exefor Windows,.dmgfor Mac) to a USB flash drive and then paste it onto the target computer. -
Cloud storage: Upload the file to a cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and then download it on the target computer.
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Network transfer: If both computers are on the same local network, you might be able to transfer the file directly.
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Run the Installer:
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For Windows: Locate the downloaded
.exefile (it's often in your "Downloads" folder) and double-click it to start the installation. You may need to grant administrator permissions. -
For Mac: Locate the downloaded
.dmgfile and double-click it to open the disk image. Drag the TurboTax application icon to your "Applications" folder.
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Follow On-Screen Prompts: The installation wizard will guide you through the process.
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Accept the License Agreement: Read and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).
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Choose Installation Location (Optional): You can usually accept the default installation location, or choose a custom one if you prefer.
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Sign In to Your Intuit Account: This is a crucial step for newer versions of TurboTax desktop. You will be prompted to sign in with the same Intuit account credentials you used to purchase the software. This links the installation to your license.
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Enter Your License Code: At some point, you will be prompted to enter your license code. Type it in carefully, ensuring accuracy.
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Once the installation is complete, you should be able to launch TurboTax on the new computer. Remember, the tax return data files are stored locally on each computer, not online. So, if you prepared a return on your first computer, it won't automatically appear on the second.
Step 3: Managing Tax Files Across Computers (If You're the Same User)
If you're installing TurboTax on multiple computers that you own and want to access the same tax return file, you'll need to manually transfer the tax data file.
Sub-heading: Saving Your Tax File
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
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Open TurboTax on the computer where you prepared your tax return.
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Go to the "File" menu at the top.
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Select "Save As..." to choose a specific location and name for your tax file. It's a good idea to name it clearly, e.g., "My2024Taxes_Final.tax2024".
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Alternatively, you can go to "File" > "Save to PDF" to create a printable PDF copy of your return. This is useful for records, but it's not the editable tax data file.
Sub-heading: Transferring Your Tax File
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Your TurboTax data files typically have an extension like .tax2024 (for the 2024 tax year). You can transfer these files using various methods:
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USB Drive: Copy the
.tax2024file from your original computer to a USB drive, and then paste it onto the new computer. -
Cloud Storage: Upload the
.tax2024file to a secure cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and then download it on the new computer. -
Email (with caution): While possible, emailing your tax file is generally discouraged due to security risks. If you must, ensure the file is password-protected and only send it to a trusted, secure email address.
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Network Share: If you have a secure home network, you can set up a shared folder and transfer the file that way.
Sub-heading: Opening Your Tax File on the New Computer
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Launch TurboTax on the computer where you transferred the tax file.
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On the initial screen, look for an option like "Open a Tax File" or "Find a Tax File."
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Browse to the location where you saved the transferred
.tax2024file and select it to open.
Step 4: Understanding Limitations and Best Practices for "Sharing" with Others
As mentioned earlier, sharing your downloaded software with another individual who will be filing their own separate return on their own computer gets a bit tricky due to licensing and privacy.
Sub-heading: The "Same Account" Enforcement
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Starting with recent TurboTax desktop versions (around 2023), during installation on any computer, you are required to log in with the Intuit account associated with the purchase. This means if your family member wants to install your copy on their computer, they would need your Intuit account login (username and password).
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Privacy Concern: While the tax return files themselves are not stored online and are local to each computer, providing someone with your Intuit account login gives them access to your account details, product purchase history, and potentially other Intuit services you use (like QuickBooks if linked).
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EULA Violation: Giving your login credentials to another person to install your software on a computer they own and for their own taxes is generally a violation of the TurboTax End User License Agreement.
Sub-heading: Alternative Approaches (Adhering to EULA)
If you want to help a family member with their taxes using your TurboTax software, consider these compliant options:
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They use your computer: The simplest and most compliant method is for them to prepare their tax return on one of your computers where your TurboTax software is installed. You can create a new return file within your TurboTax installation for them. They will not see your tax file unless they actively open it, and their return will be saved as a separate file on your computer.
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They purchase their own software: The most straightforward and legally compliant way for someone else to prepare their taxes on their own computer is for them to purchase their own copy of TurboTax.
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Using TurboTax Online: If you are referring to sharing an online TurboTax subscription, it's even more restrictive. TurboTax Online is typically licensed per tax return. One online account is generally for one taxpayer (or married couple filing jointly).
Sub-heading: Key Takeaways for "Sharing"
Tip: Watch for summary phrases — they give the gist.
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You can install your TurboTax desktop software on up to 5 computers you own.
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Each installation requires your Intuit account login for activation.
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Tax return files are local to the computer they were prepared on.
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Avoid sharing your Intuit account login with others due to privacy risks and EULA violations.
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The safest and most compliant way for others to use TurboTax on their own machines is for them to purchase their own license.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to transfer TurboTax data file to a new computer?
You can transfer your TurboTax data file (e.g., .tax2024 file) to a new computer by copying it to a USB drive, uploading it to cloud storage, or using a network share, then opening it within TurboTax on the new computer.
How to install TurboTax on a second computer?
Sign in to your Intuit account on TurboTax.com, go to "Downloads" or "Products & Billing," download the installer, transfer it to the second computer you own, run the installer, and log in with your same Intuit account and enter your license code when prompted.
How to find my TurboTax license code?
Your TurboTax license code is usually found in your purchase confirmation email, within the "Downloads" or "Products & Billing" section of your Intuit account on TurboTax.com (after signing in), or on the physical CD packaging if you bought a CD.
How to get a TurboTax download if I bought a CD?
If you bought a CD but prefer a download, you can often find the download link for your purchased version by signing into your Intuit account on TurboTax.com and navigating to your "Downloads" section. You'll still need the license code from your CD packaging.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
How to install an older version of TurboTax on a new computer?
You will need the original installation media (CD or download file) for the specific tax year. Install it on your new computer, then transfer your old tax data files (e.g., .tax2022) to the new computer. Keep in mind that older versions may not receive updates or support.
How to use one TurboTax license for multiple family members?
While you can prepare multiple tax returns (up to 5 federal e-files) on one TurboTax desktop installation, the license is typically for one user. To remain compliant and protect privacy, family members should ideally prepare their returns on your computer or purchase their own software if they wish to use it on their own machines. Sharing your Intuit login is generally against the EULA.
How to save a TurboTax return as a PDF?
Open your completed tax return in TurboTax, go to the "File" menu, and select "Save to PDF" to create a non-editable, printable copy of your return.
How to access my past TurboTax returns?
If you used the desktop software, your past returns (as .taxYYYY files and potentially PDFs) are stored on the computer where they were prepared, usually in your Documents folder within a "TurboTax" subfolder. If you used TurboTax Online, you can access them by logging into your account on TurboTax.com.
How to resolve "License linked to another account" error?
This error typically occurs when trying to install TurboTax desktop software on a new computer with a different Intuit account than the one used for the original purchase. You must log in with the same Intuit account that the software was purchased and registered under for the installation to proceed.
How to get customer support for TurboTax download issues?
Visit TurboTax.com/support or TTLC.Intuit.com for their official support pages, community forums, and contact options (chat, phone). Have your license code and Intuit account details ready.
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