How to Share TurboTax with Others

Using one copy of TurboTax for multiple tax returns is a common goal, but the rules depend entirely on which version of the software you own. Sharing logins or downloads incorrectly can lead to e-filing rejections or security issues with your sensitive financial data. This guide will walk you through the correct way to share TurboTax based on your product, covering step-by-step instructions for the CD/Download version and the limitations of the Online version.

The Fundamental Rule: One Federal E-File Per Return

Before we compare different product versions, it's important to understand the most important principle set by the IRS. The IRS tracks tax returns by Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Each number can only be used on one accepted federal tax return per year. This means that while tax software can prepare many returns, each electronically filed return is a unique transaction.

Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, builds its products around this rule. The main difference in how you can "share" TurboTax comes down to how many of these unique e-files each product officially supports. This distinction is the source of most confusion, so let's clear it up.

Sharing TurboTax CD/Download Version

The desktop version of TurboTax, which you either buy as a CD or download directly to your Mac or a PC, is the most flexible and cost-effective option for families or groups. This version is designed specifically for preparing multiple returns on a single computer.

The key feature is that a single purchase of any TurboTax CD/Download product (Basic, Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business) includes up to five federal e-files. This means you can prepare and electronically file up to five different federal tax returns for no additional cost.

Who Can You Share the CD/Download Version With?

The license agreement for this version allows you to use it for your own household or family. This is perfect for situations where one person buys the software and helps others prepare their taxes. Common examples include:

• Filing a joint return for you and your spouse.
• Filing separate returns if you are married filing separately.
• Helping your college-age children file their returns for part-time jobs.
• Assisting an elderly parent or relative with their taxes.

Important Note: The license explicitly prohibits you from using the consumer version of TurboTax to prepare tax returns for others in exchange for payment. If you are a professional tax preparer, you need to use Intuit’s professional software, ProSeries or Lacerte.

Step-by-Step Guide for Sharing the CD/Download Software

Sharing the desktop version is a straightforward process because each tax return is saved as a separate, self-contained file on your computer.

1. Install the Software: Install the TurboTax program on one trusted computer from your CD or downloaded file. This machine will be your central tax preparation station.

2. Create Your Return First: Complete your own tax return first. When you finish, TurboTax will prompt you to save the file. The file will be named something like "YourName_2023_Taxes.tax2023". This file contains all your personal financial data.

3. Start a New, Separate Return: To start another person's return, go to the "File" menu in the top-left corner of the TurboTax application and select "New Tax Return." Do not try to overwrite your own tax file. Selecting this option will create a blank slate for the next person.

4. Complete the Second Return: Guide your family member through the TurboTax interview process, entering their own unique W-2s, 1099s, and other financial information. Make sure all of their personal information (SSN, name, address) is entered correctly.

5. Save Separately: When their return is complete, save their tax file with a unique name, such as "JohnSmith_2023_Taxes.tax2023". Now you will have two distinct tax files on your computer, and you can switch between them by going to "File" > "Open Tax Return."

6. E-File Each Return: You can e-file each return directly from the software. Filing one person’s return will use up one of your five allotted federal e-files. The remaining e-files will still be available for the other returns you plan to prepare.

Limitations and Considerations for the CD/Download Version

While this version is shareable, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• State E-Filing Fees: The five free e-files are for federal returns only. State filings typically incur an additional fee per return e-filed. You can avoid this by printing and mailing the state returns, but e-filing is often more convenient and provides a faster confirmation.
• Keep Tax Files Organized: If you're preparing returns for multiple people, your computer's "Documents" folder can get cluttered. Make sure you use clear, unique filenames for each tax data file to avoid opening or editing the wrong return.
• Data Security: Remember, you are storing highly sensitive financial data for multiple people on your computer. Ensure your computer is password-protected and has up-to-date security to protect that information.

"Sharing" TurboTax Online Version

The online, browser-based version of TurboTax works very differently and is generally not considered shareable in the same way as the desktop software. The entire pricing and account structure is built around a "one-return-per-account" model.

Each TurboTax Online account is tied to a unique username and one person’s Social Security Number. Payment is required for each individual return filed through the platform. When you pay for TurboTax Online, you are paying to file one federal tax return for that specific account and SSN.

So, Can You Share It at All?

Direct sharing by letting someone else log in to prepare and file their return is not possible. If a family member tried to start their return after erasing your data, the system would still have it tied to your profile and SSN, which would lead to an IRS rejection as a duplicate filing.

However, there are a couple of scenarios where TurboTax Online is used for more than one person:

• Married Filing Jointly: This is the most common use case. A couple filing a joint return enters both of their W-2s and other financial information into a single account to produce one unified tax return. This is the intended use and only counts as a single return.
• Helping Someone with their Return: You cannot share your account, but you can certainly help a family member create their own separate TurboTax Online account and guide them through the process. They would need their own email address for the new account and would have to pay to file their return from their own account.

If you're seeking assistance, Intuit's intended path is through its upgrade services like TurboTax Live Assisted, where you can get on-screen help from a CPA or EA, or Full Service, where a professional prepares and files the return for you.

Attempting to let someone else use your account by overwriting your information is a misuse of the platform and will not work for e-filing.

Choosing the Right Version for Your Needs

Deciding between the Online and CD/Download versions comes down to convenience versus the need to file multiple returns.

• Choose TurboTax CD/Download if: You are comfortable installing software and need to file more than one tax return for yourself and family members. It offers a significantly better value if you plan to file three, four, or five federal returns from one purchase.
• Choose TurboTax Online if: You are only filing one tax return (or one joint return with a spouse), you prefer the convenience of accessing your return from any device, and you don’t want to worry about storing tax files or software updates on your computer.

For most families, purchasing a single copy of TurboTax Deluxe or Premier on CD/Download provides the best combination of features and value, allowing one person to act as the "family tax helper" each year.

Final Thoughts

Sharing TurboTax is entirely possible, but you must use the correct version—the CD/Download software. It is specifically designed to accommodate up to five federal e-files from a single purchase, making it the ideal choice for families. Conversely, TurboTax Online is structured as a one-person-per-account service and should not be used to prepare returns for others.

While handling returns for family members is a common entry-point into tax work, tax professionals address situations that go beyond the guardrails of consumer software. For CPAs and EAs who face complex questions daily—from multi-state filing thresholds to obscure IRC sections—instant access to verifiable tax code is paramount. We built Feather AI to be a dedicated research assistant, providing instant, citation-backed answers from authoritative IRS and state sources so you can deliver expert advice with complete confidence.