Visit InstallTurboTax.com, select your TurboTax Desktop product and operating system, download the installer, then activate it using your license code.
Steps to Get Started with TurboTax Desktop
- Go to InstallTurboTax.com in a secure browser.
- Select the TurboTax Desktop product you purchased.
- Choose your operating system: Windows or Mac.
- Download the installer file and open it from your Downloads folder.
- Accept the TurboTax License Agreement.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete installation.
- Activate TurboTax, sign in to your Intuit account or create a new one, and enter your 16-character license code.
- Start a new tax return or continue an existing one after activation. Intuit’s official instructions follow this same product, operating-system, download, license agreement, sign-in, and license-code sequence.
Find Your License Code
- Your TurboTax Desktop license code is a 16-character combination of letters and numbers, usually formatted as XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX.
- If you bought directly from TurboTax.com, check your order confirmation email or sign in to your Intuit Account to locate it.
- If you purchased from a retailer, check the receipt, product packaging, or card included with the software.
Check System Requirements
- Confirm that your computer meets the requirements for your TurboTax Desktop product year before installing.
- Current TurboTax Desktop products may require Windows 11 (64-bit) or a supported recent version of macOS.
- Ensure you have administrator access, enough free storage, and a stable internet connection for download and activation.
Troubleshooting Activation Issues
- Enter the license code exactly as shown, without extra spaces or incorrect characters.
- Verify that the code matches the TurboTax Desktop edition and tax year you purchased.
- If the code is missing or invalid, check your Intuit Account, confirmation email, or retailer receipt, then contact Intuit support if needed.
- Use only the official InstallTurboTax.com page to download TurboTax Desktop and protect your license code from unauthorized use.

