TurboTax License Code Guide
Learn what the TurboTax license code is, where to find it, and how to use it during installation and activation on Windows or Mac.
Find License CodeTurboTax Versions – Compare Basic, Deluxe, Premier & Business
TurboTax comes in different versions depending on your tax needs. Here is a simple and clear comparison so you can choose the right TurboTax version for your income, deductions, investments, or business. This is an independent guide and not affiliated with Intuit® or TurboTax®.
TurboTax Free Edition
Best for people with very simple tax returns (W-2 income only, standard deduction). No itemized deductions, no investments, no business income. Easy and straightforward.
TurboTax Deluxe
Ideal for individuals and families who want to claim common deductions such as mortgage interest, property tax, medical expenses, and more. Helps maximize your deductions and refund.
TurboTax Premier
Designed for people with investments, rental income, capital gains, stocks, or cryptocurrency. Premier includes everything in Deluxe plus advanced investment reporting tools.
TurboTax Home & Business
Best for small business owners, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors. Includes guidance for Schedule C, business income, expenses, invoices, mileage, and more.
TurboTax Business (Desktop Only)
Made for corporations, partnerships, LLCs, estates, and trusts. Works only on Windows computers, and is the most advanced version for business-level tax returns.
TurboTax Online vs. Desktop
TurboTax Online runs in your browser and saves your work in the cloud. TurboTax Desktop (Windows/Mac) installs on your computer and stores data locally. Desktop versions often include more forms and more control.
Which TurboTax Version Is Right for You?
Not sure which one to choose? Use this simple guide to match your situation with the best TurboTax version.
Choose Free Edition if…
Your taxes are simple: • Only W-2 income • No investments • No business or rental income • You take standard deduction
Choose Deluxe if…
You want to claim deductions like: • Mortgage interest • Property taxes • Medical expenses • Child tax credits • Education credits
Choose Premier if…
You have: • Stocks or crypto • Rental property • Capital gains/losses • Mutual fund income • Investment-based deductions
Choose Home & Business if…
You are self-employed: • Freelancer/contractor • Gig worker (Uber, Lyft, DoorDash) • Home business • Side business
Choose Business if…
You need to file for: • Corporation • LLC partnership • S-Corp • Trusts • Estates (Windows only)
TurboTax Year Versions (Tax Year vs. File Year)
TurboTax releases a new version every year. A tax year version prepares taxes for the previous calendar year.
- TurboTax 2024 → used for filing 2023 taxes
- TurboTax 2023 → used for filing 2022 taxes
- TurboTax 2022 → used for filing 2021 taxes
- Older versions may not support online e-filing
- Desktop versions allow old tax returns, but forms may be outdated
Where to Buy TurboTax Versions?
You can buy TurboTax versions from multiple official and trusted sources. Avoid unknown websites or random download links.
- Official TurboTax / Intuit website
- Amazon (official listings only)
- Retail stores: Walmart, Costco, Target
- Authorized software distributors
👉 Detailed buying guide can be added on a separate “Where to Buy TurboTax” page later.
FAQs – TurboTax Versions
Which TurboTax version is best for beginners?
Free Edition or Deluxe, depending on whether you want to claim itemized deductions.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes, TurboTax lets you upgrade your version anytime during the filing process.
Does TurboTax Business work on Mac?
No, TurboTax Business is available only for Windows.
Do all versions support e-filing?
Most do, but older year versions may not support e-file due to IRS rules.