How to Install Turbotax 2024 On Two or More Computers

Updated on Sunday February 18, 2024: If you’ve purchased a download or CD version of TurboTax 2024 — including Basic, Deluxe, Premier or Home & Business versions (like the ones sold at Costco, Target or Best Buy) — then the terms found in the TurboTax Desktop Software End User License Agreement for the 2024 version (for tax year 2023) specifically state that you can install, authenticate and activate the software on up to 5 different computers as long as they are your own personal machines (home and work). Sounds easy and straightforward, right? No quite.


Known issues.

Unfortunately, we’re seeing many people reporting problems trying to install the CD/download versions of TurboTax on their second laptop/desktop after the initial installation. The most common error seems to be: “This license code has already been associated with an account. Please check that account and look for it in Downloads.”

The cause of this error appears to be as a result of the initial installation; there is a problem if you installed the CD/download and activated the license key on your computer without first making a TurboTax account or signing in to your existing account at the official Turbotax installation page. For most users, the program DOES NOT ask you to do so, thus this is an error on Intuit’s part. Because your key was used without an account, it later won’t allow you to connect to a new or existing account for additional activations. In this case you’ll have to call Intuit’s TurboTax helpline and ask for a new license key code.


How can I contact TurboTax by phone?

To get a new license key you’ll need to call and explain the situation with a live customer service representative. You can contact them by calling 1-800-446-8848 and pressing 1 when prompted, and then 1 again for a U.S. agent (press 2 for a Canadian representative). They are available live to take your call from 5:00AM to 9:00PM Pacific Time, 7 days a week, during the tax season. Remember, when asking for a new license key make sure you let them know which TurboTax Federal version you purchased AND any State return(s) you purchased as well.

For reference, you can provide these two threads that discuss the problems in detail from others having the same issues:


How to “properly” install TurboTax 2024.

If you bought a TurboTax license (with or without the CD disc included) from a retail store like Costco, these these are the steps you should follow to ensure trouble-free activation:

  1. Visit the Turbotax installation page on Intuit’s website and either sign-in to your existing TurboTax account or create a new account if you don’t have one.
  2. Enter the License Code that you purchased into your TurboTax account and download the program into your online account.
  3. Turn off or pause any other programs that your computer is currently running, including any AntiVirus programs, as this may cause an error at installation.
  4. Download the program and open it in your “Downloads” folder. Double click on the exe. file to install it.
  5. Copy the License Code from your TurboTax Account using the “Copy Code” link.
  6. Enter the License Code when prompted to do so.

To install TurboTax on your additional Mac or PC computer, login to your TurboTax account from your 2nd machine and follow steps #3 to #6 from above. You can repeat this process and install the program on up to five personal computers.


Comments.

If you’ve run into problems, have questions or know of any better workarounds, then let us know in the comments below.

8 thoughts on “How to Install Turbotax 2024 On Two or More Computers”

  1. Have been using TurboTax since 1993 or 1994 and have absolutely loved it….until this year. The download and installation process has been a total disaster…on all counts. Had to call for help, just to get it downloaded and installed (and I’ve worked in computers for 40 years). Pathetic. Now, trying to install it on my second laptop – a Windows device and it will NOT allow it. Keep getting the message it’s already been downloaded – simply need to login. Well, it’s not. Looks like I’ll migrate to another software next year. I’m done…..

    1. I’m having the exact same issue and did last year as well. The whole process is incredibly frustrating and is not logical at all. I will be using another software next year as well. Never giving Intuit more of my money!

    2. Likewise! Keeps telling me I have to go to administration to get it to run. In addition, somehow mysteriously, my file copies from previous years disappears. Did that last year but I could open 2020 and save again. Could not do the same with all the family members this year. Despite having Turbo tax say when a file was submitted online to CRA – the program will not transfer the info. Given there are free programs now available, why pay for the frustration of using this one.

  2. I must be blind. I absolutely cannot see a place to enter a purchased license code so I can download the program to the online TurboTax account.

    1. Hi Terri,

      If you bought an “online” version of TurboTax, then you’ll be able to login to your TurboTax account from any internet-connected device at turbotax.com. No download needed, no need to enter a purchased license code.

      Hope this helps!

  3. Intuit support is a waste! Never solved my problem and said it will be escalated. Sent an email saying my case has been closed. She said I will be contacted… right.

    So just copied the files from the CD to a USB drive and installed from there on the laptop.

    Maybe H & R Block has better support!!!

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