topic Fatal flaw when transferring previous years programs in Troubleshooting

Fatal flaw when transferring previous years programs

SRDDinsights — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:44:18 GMT

I am an 20+ year subscriber and I buy the desktop Pro edition. Recently (last month) we bought 2 computers to replace our old computers. But when I transferred the programs to the new computers we get the message that 3/3 activations exist.

The first time I got advice that said that when I uninstall the programs that deals with the activation issue (it doesn't)

I've called twice -- once for the 2025 Turbo Tax program that I bought in December -- the solution was for me to buy another program and Intuit would credit me (which they have).

I got frustrated and purchased $100 for the 2024 program --

However, I am really upset over this as I have programs that go back years and years. I called in again, I was asked if I had the program codes for the various years -- which I do. I was sent a link to download previous year's programs. Which I did, but when I typed in the activation code I was given the message that 3/3 activations exist.

This situation is simply nuts. I want to be able to use 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, and 2017 programs AND I believe that I shouldn't have to buy the programs again. How do we fix this?

Re: Fatal flaw when transferring previous years programs

TurboTaxBrenda — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:14:07 GMT

We understand the inconvenience this situation may cause.

However, please note that there is a limit of 3 installations.

As stated in our SOFTWARE END USER LICENCE AGREEMENT, if you have purchased a TurboTax licence the following applies:

You may: (i) install and use the Software on up to three (3) computers; (ii) make one backup copy of the Software solely for archival or replacement purposes, which copy shall also be subject to this Licence Agreement; and (iii) print and/or NETFILE up to the number of returns included with the Software. Your valid licence code is required for all of the above. You understand and agree that any re-installations of the Software on the same computer (for example in the case of a hard-drive crash or replacement of your computer) will count as installations for the purposes of the three-computer limit above.

The CRA imposes a strict limit of 20 tax returns per computer or user account for NETFILE-certified software. This limit includes returns filed electronically and those that are printed. It generally applies to consumer versions, such as TurboTax.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Re: Fatal flaw when transferring previous years programs

SRDDinsights — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 17:26:49 GMT

The answer is confusing. I purchased the software and install the version on my computers. I started using TurboTax in the mid 1990s. None-the-less, all I want to be able to do is open my files going back to 2016. Each program was purchased, etc.

1- I certainly didn't do 20 returns --- ever in a single year.

2- The transfer is from MY old computer to MY new computer -- simple, straight-forward. Nothing complicated about it -- other the Intuit processes. And, certainly no violation of CRA rules.

3- Basically what you've said is, "yes, you paid for the program but when you try to change it to another computer you have to purchase again."

Lastly how do I access "new" programs or get new activation codes from 2016-2023 (I repurchased 2025 and 2024). I frankly feel ripped off and I really shouldn't have to pay another $700 plus tax to be able to open my prior returns.

Re: Fatal flaw when transferring previous years programs

TurboTax_Susan — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:01:16 GMT

As Brenda said, you can install TurboTax Desktop on up to 3 computers. Re-installations of the Software on the same computer may count as an installation for the purposes of the 3 computer limit if the computer has been sufficiently changed (ex: hardware added or replaced). You can read the full Software End User Licence Agreement here: https://turbotax.intuit.ca/ty25/eula/ttd

We no longer support or sell codes for tax years prior to 2019. If you do have codes for those years, you can download this tool to try to get them activated: https://intuitglobal.intuit.com/downloads/CanadaTax/fixed/TurboTaxDesktopCA_Activation.exe