Installing TurboTax with a License Code: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you bought the TurboTax CD/Download version and need to install it using a license code or via InstallTurboTax.com, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything. You’ll learn where to find your code, how to download and install TurboTax on Windows or Mac, how to enter your license code, and what to do if something goes wrong during activation.

Whether you purchased a physical CD from a store or a digital download from an online retailer, the process is very similar. The key part is having your valid TurboTax license code ready when you install or activate the software.

What Is a TurboTax License Code?

A TurboTax license code is a unique product key that proves you purchased the TurboTax desktop (CD/Download) version. It is typically:

• A multi-character alphanumeric code (letters and numbers)
• Printed on a card or insert inside the box, or sent by email if you bought a digital download
• Required to activate and fully use TurboTax on your computer

This license code is different from using TurboTax Online in your web browser. The code is only used for the desktop software you install on Windows or Mac.

Who Needs This Guide?

This installation guide is helpful if:

• You bought a TurboTax CD and want to install it on your computer.
• You purchased a download version and received a license code by email.
• You’re reinstalling TurboTax on a new computer and want to use your existing license code.
• You’re stuck at the license code or activation screen and need help.

Quick Overview: Installing TurboTax with a License Code

Here’s a quick summary of the process before we dive into details:

1. Find your TurboTax license code (card, email, or order page).
2. Visit InstallTurboTax.com or use your CD/download link.
3. Download and run the TurboTax installer for Windows or Mac.
4. When prompted, enter your license code exactly as shown.
5. Finish the installation, sign in with your Intuit account, and update TurboTax.
6. Start a new tax return or transfer data from a previous year.

How to Install & Activate Using InstallTurboTax.com

If the packaging or email directs you to InstallTurboTax.com, follow these steps for a smooth setup:

1. Go to InstallTurboTax.com. Open your web browser and type InstallTurboTax.com in the address bar. Sign in with your existing Intuit/TurboTax account, or create a new one if you don’t have one yet.
2. Download your TurboTax software. After signing in, go to your Downloads & Licenses or My Products section. Select the correct TurboTax year and edition, then click the option to download the installer for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
3. Enter your license code. If asked, type in your TurboTax license code exactly as printed or emailed. Keep the code handy—you’ll often be asked again when you first launch the software.
4. Install and launch the software. Locate the downloaded file, run the installer, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once setup is complete, launch TurboTax, sign in, and start using the program.

Step 1: Find Your TurboTax License Code

The first step is locating your license code. Where it appears depends on how you purchased TurboTax:

1. Boxed CD Purchase (Retail Store)

If you purchased a physical box from a store, check:

• The inside of the box for a card or printed insert
• The sleeve or envelope that holds the CD
• The area labeled “License Code” or “Activation Code”

2. Digital Download from an Online Store

If you bought TurboTax as a downloadable product:

• Open your order confirmation email from the retailer.
• Look for your TurboTax product details and license code in the email body.
• Sign in to your retailer account, go to Order History, and check there if needed.

3. Direct Purchase Through Your Intuit/TurboTax Account

If you purchased directly from TurboTax:

• Sign in to your Intuit/TurboTax account.
• Go to My Products, Orders, or Downloads & Licenses.
• Locate the relevant TurboTax product and note the license code listed.

Tip: Take a screenshot or photo of your license code and store it in a safe digital folder or password manager. You may need it again if you reinstall or move TurboTax to another machine.

Step 2: Download TurboTax (CD or Download Version)

You can install TurboTax from either a physical CD or a downloaded file.

A. Installing from CD

1. Insert the TurboTax CD into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. On Windows, the installer may start automatically. If not, open This PC / My Computer, double-click the CD/DVD drive, and run setup.exe.
3. On older Macs with a CD drive, double-click the TurboTax icon when it appears on the desktop and follow the prompts.

B. Installing from a Download

1. Go to InstallTurboTax.com or your retailer’s download page.
2. Sign in and locate your download link for the correct year and edition.
3. Click the link and save the installer:
   • Windows: the file is usually a .exe installer.
   • Mac: the file is usually a .dmg disk image.
4. Wait for the download to finish completely before running the file.

Note: Don’t delete the installer file right away. Keeping a copy can make future reinstalls faster.

Step 3: Install TurboTax on Windows

1. Find the installer file. Open your Downloads folder and look for a file with a name like TurboTaxSetup.exe.
2. Run as administrator (recommended). Right-click the file, select Run as administrator, and confirm any security prompts.
3. Start the setup wizard. Once the installer opens, click Next to begin.
4. Accept the license agreement. Read or scroll through the terms, select I accept, and click Next.
5. Choose install location. Accept the default folder unless you have a specific reason to change it, then click Install.
6. Complete installation. Wait for the progress bar to complete, then click Finish. You can choose to launch TurboTax immediately.

Step 4: Install TurboTax on Mac

1. Open the .dmg file. Find the downloaded .dmg file in your Downloads folder and double-click it.
2. Drag TurboTax to Applications. In the window that appears, drag the TurboTax icon into the Applications folder.
3. Launch TurboTax. Open Finder → Applications, then double-click TurboTax to start it. If macOS asks for confirmation because it’s from the internet, click Open.

Step 5: Enter Your TurboTax License Code

When you first launch TurboTax after installation, you’ll usually see a screen asking for your license or activation code.

1. Start TurboTax on your computer.
2. When prompted, type your license code exactly as shown on the card, email, or account page.
3. Make sure:
   • You don’t mix up O (letter O) with 0 (zero).
   • You don’t add extra spaces before, in the middle, or after the code.
4. Click Next, Continue, or Activate (the button label may vary).
5. Wait while TurboTax verifies your license and activates the product.

Step 6: Sign In and Update TurboTax

After activation, TurboTax usually asks you to sign in with your Intuit account and check for updates.

• Sign in using your Intuit ID (email and password), or create a new account if requested.
• Allow TurboTax to check for updates. It will download the latest program changes, forms, and fixes for your tax year.
• Install all recommended updates before starting your return or filing.

Step 7: Start or Transfer Your Tax Return

Once TurboTax has been updated and activated, you’re ready to begin:

• Click Start a New Return to begin fresh.
• Or choose Import/Transfer to pull in last year’s TurboTax data from a .taxYYYY file.
• Follow on-screen questions to enter your personal and tax information.

Fix Sign-in or Activation Issues

If you can’t sign in to your Intuit account or activate TurboTax properly, try these basic troubleshooting steps first:

• Clear browser cache and cookies if you’re having trouble signing in through InstallTurboTax.com.
• Try a different browser (for example, switch from Chrome to Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
• Disable browser extensions temporarily in case one is blocking the page.
• Check your internet connection and ensure your firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking TurboTax.

System-Specific Help

• Mac troubleshooting – Fix installation, permission, or security prompts on macOS.
• Windows troubleshooting – Resolve admin rights, installer errors, or blocked downloads on Windows.

Why an Account Is Required

When you install and activate TurboTax through InstallTurboTax.com, you are often required to sign in with an Intuit account. This is important because it:

• Verifies your purchase and links it to your email address.
• Saves your license and product info for future reinstalls or downloads.
• Syncs your tax information across supported devices and services in some cases.
• Helps with security and recovery if you forget your license code or need support.

Common Problems with License Codes (and How to Fix Them)

1. License Code Not Working

If TurboTax says your license code is invalid or not recognized, check the following:

• Re-enter the code carefully and double-check each character.
• Ensure you’re using the code for the correct tax year and edition.
• Confirm that you’re entering a TurboTax license code, not some other order number or receipt ID.

If you’re sure everything is correct, contact the retailer or TurboTax support and provide your proof of purchase.

2. License Code Already Used Too Many Times

Some license codes have limits on how many computers you can activate. If you see a message saying your code has reached its limit:

• Uninstall TurboTax from devices you no longer use for filing.
• Contact TurboTax support to discuss your situation; they may be able to help reset or clarify the license usage rules.

3. TurboTax Won’t Install or Won’t Open

If the installer fails or the program won’t open:

• Make sure your operating system meets the minimum system requirements for that tax year.
• Restart your computer and try running the installer again as an administrator (Windows).
• Temporarily disable real-time scanning in your antivirus software while installing, then turn it back on afterward.
• Re-download the installer from InstallTurboTax.com if the file might be corrupted.

4. Lost or Misplaced License Code

If you can’t find your code:

• Search your email for terms like “TurboTax,” “license code,” or “activation.”
• Check your Intuit account under Downloads & Licenses or My Products.
• Look in the original CD box or folder where you store receipts and software documents.

If you still can’t locate it, you’ll need to contact the retailer or TurboTax support with purchase details. In some cases, they may help recover your code; in other situations, a new purchase may be required.

Common Questions

Can I install TurboTax on multiple devices?

In many cases, you can install TurboTax on more than one computer that you personally own, but not for multiple separate households. Exact limits can vary by edition and year, so always check the license terms that came with your product.

Do I need a license code for TurboTax Online?

No. TurboTax Online is used entirely in your web browser. You sign in with your Intuit account and pay within the online product—no desktop license code needed.

Can I use the same license code for both Windows and Mac?

Most TurboTax desktop products are platform-specific. That means a Windows download usually works on Windows only, and a Mac download works on Mac only. Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system from InstallTurboTax.com or your account.

Why is my license code not working?

• There may be a typing mistake (wrong character, missing group, or extra space).
• You might be using a code for the wrong tax year or product edition.
• The code may have reached its allowed number of activations.

Tips for a Smooth TurboTax Installation

• Keep your license code saved in a secure place for future use.
• Install and activate TurboTax well before your filing deadline.
• Always run program updates before starting and before filing your return.
• Back up your .tax files and store copies in a safe folder or external drive.

Wrap-Up

Installing TurboTax with a license code—especially when guided by InstallTurboTax.com—is straightforward once you know the steps. Find your code, download the correct installer, install TurboTax on your Windows or Mac computer, enter the license code when prompted, and then sign in and update the software.

After that, you’ll be ready to start or continue your tax return with confidence. If you ever run into issues, you can revisit this guide for quick reminders on activation, troubleshooting, and common problems with license codes.