Questions from potential new user of Turbotax Desktop T1 and T2 Canada

[garstas]

I previously filed client personal and corporate income tax returns using Taxprep but now only have a few family personal income tax returns and one corporate income tax return. Therefore, looking for desktop (Canada) tax software which is more cost appropriate.

1. Am I able to import prior year data from Taxprep into TurboTax desktop T1 and T2?

2. I assume prior year data can be rolled forward each year in TurboTax desktop?

3. Are there plans to discontinue the Desktop version of TurboTax T1 and T2 as most software providers are transitioning to online only platforms?

4. After I load the desktop version on my computer, do I get notified of software version updates/new releases?

5. How do I efile my T2 and T1 returns to CRA? Do I need to register with CRA to do this? I was previously registered to efile client returns but I assume I need some different efile number/password? Or, is this all done via TurboTax and I don't need to register with CRA to efile?

Thank you for any comments.

[TurboTaxSusan]

1. Am I able to import prior year data from Taxprep into TurboTax desktop T1 and T2?

No. you can’t import from other tax programs into TurboTax Desktop.

2. I assume prior year data can be rolled forward each year in TurboTax desktop?

Yes, you can do this for the T1 program. If you have QuickBooks, you can import GIFI information into TurboTax Business Incorporated.

3. Are there plans to discontinue the Desktop version of TurboTax T1 and T2 as most software providers are transitioning to online only platforms?

No plans have been announced – the Desktop versions are not going away anytime soon.

4. After I load the desktop version on my computer, do I get notified of software version updates/new releases?

By default, TurboTax Desktop will search for updates every time you open it. 

5. How do I efile my T2 and T1 returns to CRA? Do I need to register with CRA to do this? I was previously registered to efile client returns but I assume I need some different efile number/password? Or, is this all done via TurboTax and I don't need to register with CRA to efile?

For your T1 return, you don’t need to register or have a My Account to file online using NETFILE. For a T2 return, you will need to get a Web Access Code or an EFILE number and password from the CRA to file electronically.

[garstas]

Thank you very much for your quick response. Re question #2, you mentioned the T1 program but not the T2 program. If I use TurboTax T2 Incorporated Desktop for 2025, can I roll forward 2025 to the 2026 TurboTax T2 Incorporated Desktop software so I don't need to re-enter all of the information? Thank you.

[TurboTaxSusan]

For more information on TurboTax Business Incorporated, you can contact the dedicated support team using the chat here: https://public-consumer-chat.app.intuit.com/app/ccs/consumer?experienceId=ttbInc. Agents are available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EST, Monday to Friday.

[garstas]

Thank you again. One last question for now please (I think): I can purchase the desktop version at a retailer (e.g. Staples) or download from TurboTax. Are there any reasons why one might be better than the other?

[garstas]

I went to your link, entered my email address, name and question, but nothing happens when I select 'Start Chat'. Should I repost my question in the community under the T2 group?