Complete TurboTax Downloading Guide for 2025 & 2026 Tax Filing

TurboTax Desktop Canada helps you prepare accurate tax returns for 2025 (filed in 2026), and the first step is downloading it correctly from turbotax.ca/download. Below is a simple guide with clear step-by-step instructions to help you download, install, and activate your software without errors.

Before you begin: What you need

A computer running a supported operating system (Windows or macOS).
A stable internet connection — required for downloading and activating the software.
If you purchased a paid version: you’ll need your license / activation code (often a 16-character code).
An account with the company (an Intuit Account) if required.

TurboTax Downloading from turbotax.ca/download

Go to the official website turbotax.ca/download and open the download page.
Sign in to your Intuit account (or create a new one if needed).
Select the TurboTax version you purchased and click the Download button.
Save the downloaded file (.exe for Windows / .dmg for Mac) on your computer.
After the download finishes, double-click the installer file.
Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard and click Agree/Allow when prompted.
Once installation completes, TurboTax will open automatically (or you can open it manually).
When TurboTax opens, you will see a Sign In screen — log in with your Intuit account.
Enter your License / Activation Code in the field provided.
After the code is verified, TurboTax will be successfully activated, and you can start preparing your tax return.

Common issues & troubleshooting

Some users report difficulty with browser compatibility or website loading — if the download page doesn’t load, try clearing cache or using a different browser or incognito mode.
If activation fails, double-check that you have entered the license code correctly (no extra spaces or incorrect characters).
Use only the official TurboTax / Intuit download page — downloading from unofficial sources may expose you to malware or security risks.