Turbo tax software at Costco

OhMari

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I was in Costco yesterday and the software for Turbo Tax was on sale for $39. When I went to grab a box they were empty. I do not know if you needed to check out and then they would give you your Turbo Tax software or if they would give you a code for down loading, I have no idea. I thought forget it. I will just buy it some where else.

Just wondering if it was a ploy for them to get you to download the software, or does it really get shop liifted and this is a pre-caution.
 
I was in Costco yesterday and the software for Turbo Tax was on sale for $39. When I went to grab a box they were empty. I do not know if you needed to check out and then they would give you your Turbo Tax software or if they would give you a code for down loading, I have no idea. I thought forget it. I will just buy it some where else.

Just wondering if it was a ploy for them to get you to download the software, or does it really get shop liifted and this is a pre-caution.
It is not in the box for loss prevention. They have several items like this winter including their gift cards on a cardboard paper. U pay at register and they bring it there within 60 seconds. It is priced cheaper there than anywhere else other than eBay which I worry about knockoff product sometimes on eBay. I buy at Costco every year. Now to get a refund from our shutdown government might not be as easy.
 
Many software products no longer include a CD and you simply download it using an included activation code. It is more cost effective for those selling the software to do it this way. Tax software is often frequently updated as the IRS releases it final forms. When you do the download you get the latest version unlike a CD that would have probably been created months ago.
 
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The display box was empty, but after I paid, the cashier pointed out another employee to go to who was right behind the registers. They then looked at my receipt and went into the “lockup area” and gave me the box with the cd. I also had one of those cardboard restaurant gift card displays to fulfill too. I was surprised at how quick the process was. I thought they would take a while to find the two items I needed, but it was only an extra minute or two.
 
Turbo Tax still provides a CD. You have to have an internet connection, though, to download the latest updates.
 
I was in Costco yesterday and the software for Turbo Tax was on sale for $39. When I went to grab a box they were empty. I do not know if you needed to check out and then they would give you your Turbo Tax software or if they would give you a code for down loading, I have no idea. I thought forget it. I will just buy it some where else.

Just wondering if it was a ploy for them to get you to download the software, or does it really get shop liifted and this is a pre-caution.
this is totally standard at Costco. They have been doing it this way for years. I stopped buying the discs several years back and I download, but even back then the boxes were on the shelf empty. They do this with many items like this, stamps, gift cards, some video games.
 
You don't need to buy any software. Just create an account at TurboTax.com and file online. I've been doing that for the past 10 years. They store all your info electronically so you don't have to reenter everything year to year. It's super easy. The price is also the same online as Costco.
 
I bought mine at Costco yesterday...the deluxe for $39. Yes, the box is empty. After you pay, you take your receipt to the customer service cage on the other side of the registers. They will then give you the actual box with a CD that is good for either PC or Mac. After you install it, updates are checked for each time you run it.

As @elgerber pointed out above, this is standard procedure for Costco with many items, especially those found in the electronics section (computers, games, cameras, etc.).
 
You don't need to buy any software. Just create an account at TurboTax.com and file online. I've been doing that for the past 10 years. They store all your info electronically so you don't have to reenter everything year to year. It's super easy. The price is also the same online as Costco.
This. Have also been online with TT for over 10 years.
 
That's also standard practice at Staples from what I've observed to help prevent theft. I've purchased other software as well and you'll receive the actual CD or a download code at purchase.
 
I always get the CD, and hold onto them for years. It is handy in case you have to refile for some reason. Plus my sons have a habit of not filing in a timely fashion (they do not owe tax). PS They are idiots.
 
You don't need to buy any software. Just create an account at TurboTax.com and file online. I've been doing that for the past 10 years. They store all your info electronically so you don't have to reenter everything year to year. It's super easy. The price is also the same online as Costco.
Yes, DH does our taxes and this is how he does it, turbotax online.
 
I always get the CD, and hold onto them for years. It is handy in case you have to refile for some reason. Plus my sons have a habit of not filing in a timely fashion (they do not owe tax). PS They are idiots.

This is another reason why you should just do it online. They keep everything for years and years so you can refile, amend returns, print out old returns, etc. All without you needing to hold onto anything except your login password.
 
this is totally standard at Costco. They have been doing it this way for years. I stopped buying the discs several years back and I download, but even back then the boxes were on the shelf empty. They do this with many items like this, stamps, gift cards, some video games.
Thanks for the info. I bought mine at Target the last few years.
 
Typically, once I download the software onto my PC (either from the CD or using an activation code), you no longer need the CD. Once I file my taxes, I toss the CD in the trash since the application software remains on my PC. Files you created are also on your PC. The only reason you would need the CD after that is if you PC crashed and you had to reload the software.
 












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