Has anyone else notice that TurboTax for 2012 will require OS X v 10.6.8 or newer? How can we get them to support 10.5.8?

Hello,

I'd give th chances of convincing hem to support 10.5.x about like betting on an Ice Cube sueviving in a very warm place! 😉

Snow Leopard/10.6.x Requirements...

General requirements

* Mac computer with an Intel processor

* 1GB of memory (I say 4GB at least, more if you can afford it)

* 5GB of available disk space (I say 30GB at least)

* DVD drive for installation

* Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply.

* Some features require Apple’s MobileMe service; fees and terms apply.

Which apps work with Mac OS X 10.6?...

http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/

It's been pulled from the online store & Apple Stores, so you have to call Apple to buy it, last I heard.

Call Apple Sales...in the US: 1-800-MY-APPLE. Or Support... 1-800-275-2273

Other countries...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57

You have to get 10.6.8 first to go even higher to 10.7 or 10.8

To L-I-B... There are way too many issues for us to try to support 10.5.8, especially as we migratefunctionality to support all the new stuff in later versions (and Mountain Lion) of the Mac OS. We've carefully considered this decision and at this point, we can't turn back. We're weeks away from going to "gold master".

As an alternative, you can consider using TurboTax Online. By going to our Online service, you'll still be able to transfer your TurboTax data from prior years so you won't lose your tax history.

I hope this information helps.

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

Yes, I understand that XP is older than OS X 10.5.8. However, for us to support the new functionality in the new OS X versions makes it much too difficult to provide dual support for the older versions. As I also mentioned, there is a solution that doesn't require any OS upgrade and that is TurboTax Online (or even TurboTax iPad). If you're still skeptical, give it a try since there is no cost until you're ready to file.

Again, we don't like to discontinue support for "old" versions of the OS, but when you're dealing with a seasonal product with a limited development timeframe, we have to make tough trade-offs.

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

Does this mean that you have to use the downloaded version of Turbotax or that you have to use the actual online version? SInce I've always used the disc version this is confusing to me. Those of us that never used the "online" version don't know what you're talking about. Please explain exactly what you mean and how we go about doing it.

I have a Mac Book Pro running OS 10.5.8

Thank you for your help!

Barry... CD and download refer to the same program you install on your computer. It's just that one is delivered on CD and one is downloaded. However, it's the same software. Since you have OS 10.5.8, you won't be able to install the TurboTax software on your MacBook.

Instead, if you wish to preserve and maintain your historical tax information, you'll have to use TurboTax Online. The Online service is almost identical to the software you would have installed on your computer but the service is accessed using your browser (like Safari). The service is hosted on our servers and you get the same question and answer interview that you already know. For people like you who already have historical information in TurboTax, the TurboTax Online service allows you to transfer all your existing 2011 TurboTax information from your MacBook to the Online service. This way you won't lose any of the important tax information. Plus, when you're done filing your 2012 tax return, you can save a PDF of your return and the actual TurboTax data file to your computer. That gives you the flexibility to revert back to the CD in later years in case you do upgrade your OS and want to use the software again on your computer.

I hope this answers your question.

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

Yes it does. That's exactly the information I needed. The email I received from Turbotax didn't explain it thoroughly enough. For those of us who only used the CD or download in the past, we didn't even know that there was an online version of Turbotax nor did we understand what it was.

Since my finished return can be saved as a PDF, I assume that I will still be able to file my return as a hard copy.

Thanks for your timely help.

Barry

Barry... Yes, you'll be able to save your return as a PDF and mail it to the IRS. However, why not try electronic filing. It's much easier, faster, free and if you're getting a refund, you'll get your money so much faster!

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

Since I always used the CD version of Turbotax in the past and now have to use the Online version, is it impossible to import previous year's info into this year's return? Do I have to start from scratch? It seems like that to me. Does that mean that all my previous info is unavailable to me such as depreciation on business items and year to year comparisons? Ther more I look into this process, the worse it gets. Help!

Barry... By using TurboTax Online, you'll be able to transfer all your 2011 information. That means no re-typing all the names, addresses, prior depreciation, etc. It's just like using the CD version of TurboTax. Just don't overlook the initial interview question in TurboTax Online that asks if you wish to transfer from a file on your computer.

I hope that helps!

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

Thanks Bob. You are really helping me with this process. I did miss that initial interview question at the beginning.

Unfortunately, I just went back to the beginning of my return and cannot find that initial interview question about importing previous year's info. I already started entering some info by hand. By doing that, have I opted out from doing this? Again........HELP!!!!!!!

If you already entered information, then you are precluded from transferring from last year (otherwise, it would overwrite what you already entered). So you'll have to go back to the Home screen. You'll clear your return and then look for the first option on the page that says something like Transfer from Last Year. I'd also suggest typing in "Clear Return" in the "Ask" box. There is a good FAQ on this topic that you'll find.

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax

but i don't want to place my personal information in your cloud. I'm really disappointed. I just sat down and loaded the new 2012 TurboTaX software and it won't work on my MAC becuase I'm running OS 10.5.8. I'm really bummed. Time to look at something esle besides TurboTax.

macchevy... If you have an iPad, you should consider using TurboTax iPad. You'll be able to transfer your information from 2011 so you won't lose any historical information or have to rekey static information. If you have an iPad, I can assure you that you'll be very pleased!

Bob Meighan

VP, TurboTax