Is there a reasonable method of obtaining software/e file for a practice of 17 clients? ProCon. is too expensive for a small practice. Can we file w. several Turbo Tax

[dndngh]

TT will handle 5 returns?

[Just-Lisa-Now- · Accepted solution]

TurboTax cannot be used by a professional tax preparer.  It offers no way to include your PTIN, Firm or EFIN information.

[dndngh]

Thank you; I appreciate the help. 

[itonewbie]

It's not a matter of whether you can insert those details into the returns prepared with TurboTax, it's that the terms and conditions for TurboTax simply prohibit the use of the software by tax preparers.  See excerpts of the T&C's for TT Desktop and TT Online below, especially the texts in bold red:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/license/desktop.jsp

2. Supplemental License Grant and Restrictions.

In addition to the General License Grant you may: (i) install and use a copy of the Software on up to five (5) computers owned by you (at home or at work); (ii) use the Software only to prepare, print and/or electronically file your federal 2020 tax year returns and related state tax returns as described below; (iii) make one backup copy of the Software for your personal use as permitted under this license grant. Any software that is delivered by electronic transmission (regardless of whether a replacement copy is ordered) shall be deemed delivered on the date that Intuit makes such program available for download.

If through your use of the Software version you selected, your tax situation requires the features of another version, you may be required to discontinue use of such current Software version and upgrade to another version at an additional cost.

1. TurboTax Basic, Deluxe, Premier, Home & Business.
   1. For TurboTax Basic and other TurboTax versions which do not include State returns:
      1. You may prepare, print and e-file your federal returns, subject to the e-file restrictions herein.
      2. Additional charges apply for State returns and for State e-filing (except NY).
   2. For TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business:
      1. You may prepare, print and e-file your federal returns your return for one State, if applicable, subject to the e-file restrictions herein.
      2. Additional charges apply for returns in additional States and for all State e-filing (except NY).
   3. E-File Restrictions
      1. The IRS imposes a limit of five (5) federal e-files.
      2. TurboTax imposes a limit of three (3) State e-files per federal return.
2. TurboTax Business.
   1. (1) You may prepare, print and e-file forms 1120, 1120S, 1041 and 1065, subject to the e-file restrictions herein.
   2. (2) You may prepare, print and e-file State returns, at an additional charge per business entity (e.g., after purchasing CA Partnership, you can prepare, print and e-file unlimited CA Partnership returns).
   3. (3) The IRS imposes a limit of five (5) federal e-files.

3. Additional Restrictions. You are not licensed or permitted under this Agreement to do any of the following: (1) allow any other person to use the Software; (2) rent, loan, resell, share, distribute or redistribute the original CD or a copy of the Software to any other person or entity; (3) make the Software available on any file-sharing or application hosting service; (4) electronically send the Software to any other person or company; (5) copy the printed materials or user documentation accompanying the Software other than as necessary to support the uses permitted above; (6) use the Software for any commercial purpose (i.e., tax return preparation for a fee or other consideration); or (7) use the Software to electronically file more than five federal returns. Any person or company who received the Software through any of the forgoing prohibited methods, or through any method other than purchasing a license for this Software from Intuit or an Intuit authorized retailer, is not authorized to use such Software.

   You are not licensed or permitted to use the Software, or to allow the Software to be used, to prepare tax returns, schedules or worksheets on a professional or commercial basis (i.e., for a preparer's or other fee or consideration). Additionally, if you violate these terms, you agree you must indemnify and defend Intuit against any claims or lawsuits, including (without limitation) attorneys’ fees, that arise from or result from the unlicensed use of the Software on a professional or commercial basis.

   You agree to register as a licensee of the Software (unless you obtained the Software directly from Intuit and registered during the order process) so Intuit can notify you of updates or corrections to the Software and to obtain the benefit of any warranties or guarantees given or made by Intuit with respect to the Software or Intuit Services. In this regard, you agree to keep Intuit apprised promptly of any change in your email address, mailing address and/or phone number so Intuit can be notify you of such updates or corrections. Additionally, the IRS and state tax authorities may release certain final approved tax forms after the Software is made available. To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information and final approved forms, you must update your copy of the Software using its “Check for Updates” feature before printing or electronically filing your return. Certain IRS and/or state forms may not be available through the Software.

4. Technical Protection Measures. This Software uses digital rights management technology. An internet connection is required to install, authenticate and activate the Software and to verify your license upon the installation of the Software on any unique machine ("Authenticate" or “Authentication”). The Software may require you to create an Intuit account in order to download, install and/or Authenticate the Software and/or updates. The license provided with this Software will be verified via the internet during Authentication. Authentication is limited to five (5) activations per license. This Software is not transferable. If you disable or otherwise tamper with the technical protection measures, the Software may not function properly and you will have materially breached this Agreement. You agree to keep your registration and account profile information accurate, complete, and current. Allowing or enabling others to use your license number is strictly prohibited.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/license/online/

B. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR TURBOTAX ONLINE TAX PREPARATION SERVICES

The definition of the “Services” includes TurboTax Online (including TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed), TurboTax Live and TurboTax Live Full Service, which are each versions of the Services. Your use of the Services provided by Intuit are subject to the General Terms of Service above including these Additional Terms and Conditions which govern your use of the Services indicated below. These Additional Terms and Conditions shall prevail over any conflict or inconsistency with the General Terms of Service above.

1. License Grant and Restrictions

1.1 Personal License. Intuit hereby grants you a limited personal license to use the version of the Services for which you have paid Intuit the applicable fee(s), if any, and, after proper registration, solely to prepare or have prepared your valid 2020 federal and state tax return(s), to file same electronically after any payment of applicable additional fees and/or print such federal and state tax return(s).

1.2 Number of Returns. You may use certain versions of the Services to self-prepare and electronically file your federal and/or state return(s). After proper registration and payment is made, you may file such return(s) electronically or by printing and mailing them to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and/or appropriate state agency. No more than five (5) federal and/or state tax returns (e.g., for a family of five) may be purchased and filed using any one email address to create accounts within the Services.

1.3 No Professional Use. You may not use the Services to prepare tax returns, schedules or worksheets on a professional or commercial basis (i.e., for a preparer's or other fee or consideration).

[sjrcpa]

You need to get more clients and/or raise your rates.

Drake and ATX are low cost software. Look into their pricing.

[itonewbie]

ATX is actually quite a capable software, even for international returns.  Drake, on the other hand, may require a bit more manual calculations, depending on the type of returns you prepare.

Even with low volume, PTO can be competitive.  Give Sales a call and see what they can offer you off the rack rates.