Chromebooks will NOT work with any software that requires a disc to install.This makes Chromebooks extremely secure, protects them against trojans and viruses, and keeps them easy to use.īut at the cost of program compatibility. Sadly, on a Chromebook, this is not the case. You may be used to just downloading a file, installing it, and seeing the icon popup on your desktop to double-click. It can’t install any third-party programs that you download off the Internet. This applies to some of the most popular tax prep programs like H&R Block, TurboTax, Quicken, etc.Ĭhrome OS is very simple. And they’ll both fail to install on a Chromebook. But that’s no different than downloading it off a disc. Sure, you can download the digital version of the program online. This already eliminates many softwares that rely on a disc delivery medium. There’s no way around this without installing another OS like Linux (which we’ll cover in a bit), or doing some bypassing (which we’ll touch on also).Īs you already know, your Chromebook has no optical drive (“CD” drive). Executable files aren’t readable by Chrome OS. Ever.Ĭhrome OS is the operating system (OS) that powers your Chromebook. This is a format made for Windows PC and will NOT run on Chrome OS. The most common reason why your Chromebooks fail to install or run a specific tax program is because it’s likely an executable (.exe) file. Why doesn’t my Chromebook work with my tax program? Though, I don’t see why you’d do your taxes on a phone. Or any modern device with a WiFi connection. The major companies (TurboTax, HRBlock, etc.) all offer 100% online solutions that run without software installations. If it offers an online version, it should have no hiccups running on Chrome OS. While tax laws change every year, it doesn’t matter what software you use as long as it’s compatible with Chrome (what your Chromebook runs). The programs on this list are fully compatible with Chrome OS at the time of this writing. The software shouldn’t require any additional downloads (plugins, players, etc.)Īs long as it meets both of these requirements, it should run on a Chromebook.Īs of 2022, the various software continue to make updated versions that account for the new tax laws this year.The tax software must be web-based (online through the browser).Yes, you can use various tax preparation software on Chrome OS. Filing taxes is easy if you have the right tools!