Updated on Monday, March 17, 2025: If you’ve purchased a download or CD version of TurboTax 2025 — 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 2025 version (for tax year 2024) 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:

• https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/resolved-after-many-calls-cannot-reinstall-download-cd-product-on-second-computer/00/1770119
• https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/how-many-computers-can-a-turbotax-installed-on-using-one-serial-number/00/1298181

How to “properly” install TurboTax 2025.

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.

Updated on Monday, March 3, 2025: We are happy to report that TurboTax is once again back at Costco for 2025 and now available at all local warehouse stores!

With their early season discount, you’ll save up to $20.00 on select CD/download versions of the software vs. the regular retail price. Here’s how much Costco is offering for each version at the moment:

• TurboTax Deluxe Federal and/or Deluxe Federal + State on sale for $44.99 (normally $55.99).
• TurboTax Premier Federal + State on sale for $64.99 (normally $82.99).
• TurboTax Home & Business on sale for $75.99 (normally $95.99).
• TurboTax Business (not available in warehouses, online only).

Just keep in mind that there is typically a limit of 2/each per customer. The applicable discount is automatically applied at checkout. Unfortunately, the online versions are not offered at Costco but you can still pick up a deal today at turbotax.intuit.com (online versions are now on sale through March 31, 2025 at 10% off).

What’s the difference between “CD/Download” versions and “Online” versions of TurboTax?

TurboTax’s ultimate goal is to help you file your tax return for tax year 2024. But the version you choose determines how you get it done.

If you pick up the CD/Download version of Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business, or Business at Costco then you will need to install the software on your personal computer. You will then only be able to use that computer to work on, file and submit your tax return using TurboTax. All your personal data will be locally stored on your machine. And unless you used TurboTax last year + the same computer to file your 2024 tax return, then you will also need to have your previous tax return handy to help you complete this year’s return.

On the flip side, if you decide to go with an “Online” version of TurboTax (our preferred method) then you will complete and file your tax return using your online TurboTax account. The benefits of this is that you can work on your tax return and save-as-you-go from any internet connected device; laptop, desktop, tablet and smartphone (including through the TurboTax app). That means you can start your return and, for example, your spouse can finish it off from a different device at a later date from where you left off. And if you used TurboTax Online last year then it remembers and instantly imputes last year’s tax data automatically for you where needed.

Which version of TurboTax do I need?

If you’re not sure if you need to buy Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business, or Business versions of TurboTax 2025, then be sure to get the lower-priced version of the two that you’re deciding on. That’s because regardless if you choose one of the CD/download versions or one of the online versions of TurboTax, you’ll also have an option to upgrade within the program if you need to based on your specific tax situation. The program will guide you through the process and if an upgrade is needed, then you will be directed to a payment option for the upgrade.

Current Offers

Before you run out to your nearest Costco or anywhere else to pick up a copy of TurboTax, be sure to see all the current TurboTax deals available today. Eligible military families and students with simple tax returns may also qualify for free filing with TurboTax this year. As we do every year, we’re tracking all of the top deals on TurboTax all season long through the April 15th tax deadline.

Questions & Comments

Not sure which version of TurboTax to buy? Found a better deal on TurboTax that you would like to share? Then leave your questions, thoughts and comments below.

Updated on Saturday March 2, 2024: To help you file your taxes this year, we’re once again tracking all of best 2024 deals on TurboTax software. Here’s a look at all of our favorite offers and coupons that you can take advantage of today (this list is updated live, on an ongoing basis, through the Monday April 15th tax deadline).

TurboTax Discounts & Deals, March 2024:

• Offer #1: File with TurboTax Deluxe from just $39. File your taxes with the online edition of TurboTax Deluxe when ordered directly from intuit.com. Normally priced at $69, this sale price is applied to your order when you visit their special offer page. Advertised prices will be valid through 11:59PM PST on March 31, 2024.

• Offer #2: Is this the first time you’re thinking about completing and sending in your tax return on your own? Or maybe you just want to have a quick estimate on how much of a refund you can expect to see this year? Whatever the the reason, you can start and work on your tax return with TurboTax up until the point of filing. Then you can decide to purchase and file with TurboTax or not (you pay only when you file). Based on the information you enter, you’ll see the expected 2024 tax refund or the extra amount you’ll need to pay this year.

• Offer #3: If you’re a student then it’s likely you’re not making much money right now. If so, you may actually be able to file a simple tax return for free with TurboTax this year and not pay even a penny for it (~37% of taxpayers qualify, form 1040 plus limited credits only). Even better yet, TurboTax can help you get over $1,000 back in education credits and deductions if you qualify. Plus they will help you with FAFSA filing by letting you print a FAFSA-friendly view of your completed tax form. Learn more.

• Offer #4: The next time you login to your online banking account be sure to take a look at see if they have a deals page (I have a link in my online Bank of America account). Although we’re seeing less of these deals lately, TurboTax has a history of partnering with credit unions, banks and credit card companies and offering a discount to their clients. Some worth looking into are Capital One, Citi Bank, Vanguard, Merrill Lynch, AAA, Nasa Federal Credit Union, PenFed, and Discover Card – All of which we’ve seen these partner deals before.

• Offer #5: If you or your spouse/parter where in active military service in any part of 2023 then you may be able to take advantage of the TurboTax’s military discount. All E1-E9 ranked military personnel get the online version of TurboTax Deluxe for free. TurboTax uses your military W-2 to verify rank and to apply the discount to your order. Only available for online versions as the desktop versions are excluded from the offer. All higher ranking military personnel will not qualify. This is an ongoing offer but only available to those who are eligible.

• Offer #6: A number of stores sell TurboTax, including our favorite go-to place — Amazon. They usually offer a few bucks off, a 60-day money back guarantee, and even let you install the CD/Desktop version on several computers. However because their sale prices change so often (even up to several time a day on certain items) you’ll need to check out their site for today’s sale price. Unfortunately, Amazon’s TurboTax Refund Bonus Offer did not return for 2024.