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Heads-Up – I received a notice this morning letting me know to use the 2025 TurboTax desktop software will require Windows 11, released in 2021. Windows 10 or earlier will need to be upgraded to Windows 11. You can check whether your PC is compatible by running a PC Health Check, find in your PC settings or do a Google search. (Looks like I’ll be purchasing a new computer as mine isn’t compatible with Windows 11.)
I’ve been using TurboTax for years to both file my taxes and plan for capital gains and other variables. The TurboTax desktop software offers some clear advantages over the online version by allowing for unlimited “what-if” scenarios looking at different income levels, stock sales, deduction strategies, etc. I’ve already started my 2025 planning using the 2024 software.
For tax planning, the desktop allows you to see all federal/state tax forms and features not available in the online version. I like to toggle back-n-forth between “Forms” and “Step-by-Step” function to see, for example, the effective tax for a capital gain from a stock sale and details in the forms.
The desktop version often costs less in the long run since it allows multiple returns and doesn’t require separate online fees year after year, such as an amendment. I also can use the desktop version to file up to 5 federal tax returns online.
For state taxes, some extra challenges but still useful. Desktop users receive software for 1 state and have the ability to file 1 state tax return at no cost. Additional states software costs ~ $40 and online filing for additional state returns can be filed for $25. But easy to download the state taxes from the Forms feature and either file electronically with state or sign/mail a hardcopy.
I enjoy taxes (call me crazy) and especially enjoy helping family/friends with tax planning, preparing and filing. I just ask they make a contribution to my favorite charity. A win-win!!
For iOS users: I noted that during one of the seemingly endless updates to TT 2024 throughout 2025, that the ability to utilize “What-If” scenario planning now includes the ability to utilize 2025 tax rules/limits information available at the time of that update. Sure feels that there’s more changes on the way, but for now, this helps avoid having to “fudge” as much information from 2024.
I am presuming that the same would have been done for PC users as well, but not sure until you check the “What-If” document header for the options you want to put into play for your scenarios.
Cheers!
Thanks for information on “What-if” scenario planning using the “Info Wks” form. I was not aware of this form. I’m using a PC and don’t see the 2025 updates in 2024 TT but am able to fudge enough for planning purposes. Seems the increase in SALT may be the biggest item that will change in 2025? Thanks!!
For those of you contemplating the move to the Windows 11 OS to do your 2025 tax returns, I recently installed 2025 Turbo Tax Desktop Deluxe edition on Windows 11 without any issues. FWIW,
My old MSWin10 laptop was old and creaky, and I already knew about the MSWin11 requirement for TurboTax 2025. I upgraded to a new laptop a couple of months ago. I’ve used TurboTax since the dark ages, on MSDOS.
Suzee, unless things are changing for tax year 2025, I think there’s an error in your second to last paragraph. In my experience TurboTax allows one free electronic Federal tax submittal, but you must pay a fee to TurboTax to submit a State tax return. In North Carolina, the number of forms is quite small, so I submit by mail. If there is payment due, I submit that online.
Ah yes, to clarify – with TurboTax desktop software, you can e-file up to 5 Federal tax returns. You also receive the software for 1 state, and each e-file of a state return costs $25. If you need the software for an additional state, the software costs $40. The state tax documents are available in “the forms” feature of TurboTax and can be used to mail to or e-file with the state at no cost.
Duplicate message.
If a computer does not meet the system requirements to install windows 11 for the desktop TurboTax will a windows 10 system with the ESU patch still be able to use online TurboTax for 2025 taxes?
I wonder what about my future continued use of clunky Free File Fillable Forms online software for 2025 federal taxes? My guess / hope is that I will but expect I will find out for sure in 2026 when the IRS opens the 2025 filing season.
I have read the IRS, new in 2024 tax year, federal direct file system will not be made available for tax year 2025 returns back in April but I have not seen certainty of what will be done.
I think it will be interesting to see if the IRS will have a surge in 2025 of paper return filings because of a software company decision that obsoleted huge numbers of personal computers.
Tax season 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for tax nerds. Fix some popcorn as the show will start in a few months.
No. Per Intuit e-mail of 10/23/25:
“TurboTax Desktop software for tax year 2025 and beyond won’t be compatible with devices using Windows 10, including those with an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program purchased from Microsoft.”
Hi Paul,
My question regarding continued use of Windows 10 was in regards to 2025 TurboTax (TT) Online and not desktop.
In an updated post on 10/27/2025 TT support, among other things, wrote the following –
Additionally, our customers can always access TurboTax Online via any supported web browser (many web browsers will be supported on Windows 10, regardless of whether the extended security program is active) or on mobile devices (iOS, Android).
I would think that it is likely someone who has used TT desktop would prefer that option over TT online, but I hope to be able to use the clunky Free File Fillable Forms for tax year 2025 for my filing.
Is anyone else worried about a Windows 12 requiring even more computing power in the near future, necessitating another new personal computer and having to start this mess all over again? I am.
Best, Bill
You can use “Rufus” to upgrade an incompatible computer to Win 11. I did it last year with 6 PCs I have around the house, including a nearly 20 y/o Dell Latitude laptop. No troubles; all seem to work fine.
Not a good choice.
Great tip! The instructions from Rufus look pretty straightforward. I was really ticked off that Microsoft basically ‘obsoleted’ my laptop.
Oh perfect – my laptop is a 10 y/o Dell Latitude. Thanks, fingers crossed.
Good idea but it Sounds like something that most of us in HD would not be able to deal with. Unless I’m missing something.
I received the email from TT as well. I will also need a new laptop. I do not however, enjoy using TT. I have used for over 30 years and I find it frustrating. Finally, I am not happy Intuit was opposed to the free software the IRS was developing and also how they advertised free TT and then charged people who qualified for the free version. If I can say one thing positive it’s that the cost is very low compared to what it can do. I would pay double or triple what I pay on Amazon for TT.
Ditto for Apple iOS versions previous to Sonora(?) xx.xx. My 2017 iMac is stuck at Ventura – a “no-go” for 2025 TT. I have the 27” version – much easier on the eyes – but, alas, there has yet to be a new iMac release and current models are 24” and already “older versions”. I’m looking forward to a new iMac release as my current model is slowwww but it has served me well. I may have to try H&R software again or get a message to Tim to speed it up over there in the spaceship.
FYI – I used to buy the new TT Software prior to current year end for the same reasons you mention. While this tactic worked in previous years, the 2024 software did not work at all until we were into January, 2025. Never got a good answer as to why from the customer service reps at TT. No fear, I still was able to get close enough using the 2023 software.
I’ve found the best TT software pricing, with a bonus or two included, when purchased at Costco. Even though the price dropped a bit more about a month later, they refunded me the difference.
We were long time H&R Block users (used to be called Tax Cut, which is a great name in my opinion). We switched to TurboTax once. It did not go well. We’re back to H&R Block and happy.
I used H&R Block exclusively for many years. But, a couple years ago, I found that there is an ongoing bug in it: the software did not allow HSA catch-up-contribution for over age 50 if you are retired and do not have a W2.
I found a way to do a work-around so that my tax liability and credits would equal out, but, found it odd that HR Block has been aware of this issue for years and, to my knowledge, has taken no action to fix it. (Upon searching, I found numerous posts by others describing this issue going back years).
I informed them about it in multiple ways – they wanted ME to write everything up in detail – essentially, to do their job (Sure, I’m going to pay for software and then debug it for free…). So, I just left and went to Turbotax.
It left a sour taste in that, I wonder what other bugs they are aware of but do not fix…
I did the reverse, switched from TurboTax to H&R Block once.
Randy and Joe, both fair points. My suspicion is all of the products are imperfect in probably multiple ways. I don’t know why this is so hard.
Also, to boot, using a CPA was no easier. We found many errors and a lot of lack of attention to detail. I get that for us we weren’t a huge client, but gosh the average taxpayer can’t catch a break.
TurboTax recently notified me that its 2025 version will not run on my iMac’s macOS Ventura. Instead, macOS Sonoma 14 or later will be required.
Any idea when the desktop version for 2025 will be available? I usually wait for the free Fidelity version (mid to late December), but would consider buying if released earlier, and it’s fully functional on release to possibly model Roth conversions for this year.
I checked with TurboTax this morning to see if they have a schedule of updates, especially those that include the 2025 OBBBA tax changes (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Unfortunately, they didn’t have a schedule. Last year, some key schedules were not available until January. I generally use the ‘what if’ form in TurboTax, but this year, there are enough tax changes that I switched to Excel1040 for estimating my 2025 taxes, including a Roth conversion. The Excel1040 includes the 2025 OBBBA tax changes. Be sure to scroll down to find the 2025 version.
Federal Income Tax Spreadsheet Form 1040 (Excel Spreadsheet) Income Tax Calculator – Download
Hi Bill. The release is generally late-November to mid-December, I believe it’s based on IRS sign-off of the software. Modelling out Roth conversions is on my to-do list. Thanks to all of the Humble writers for useful information on conversions.
Thanks Suzee- that makes sense. Will keep an eye out for it. The Roth conversion equation seems more complex this year, but will likely still follow last year’s approach in spite of a reduction in the senior deduction available.