Can I access prior year desktop returns if I use a different computer this year?

[salmaas]

Always purchased Home & Business from Costco for prior years.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to move tax files to another computer - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/move-tax-data-file-another-...

[rjs]

What do you mean by "access"? What do you want to do with the prior-year tax returns? If you only want to transfer the information from your 2024 tax return when you start your 2025 tax return, all you need is a copy of the .tax2024 data file on the new computer. But if you want to be able to open a prior-year tax return you have to install the desktop TurboTax software for the appropriate year on the new computer. You will not be able to install any year earlier than 2022.

The tag below your question says you are using TurboTax Online, but you say that you used the desktop TurboTax software in previous years. Are you switching to TurboTax Online this year? If you have further questions, please clarify whether you are using TurboTax Online or the desktop TurboTax software for 2025, and if you are using the desktop software, is it in Windows or on a Mac?

[GabiU]

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[ellenmkraft]

How do I know if I used TT desktop last year?

[ellenmkraft]

I may switch to online this year (2025) but would like to transfer 2024 data… uncertain if I filed using desktop or online last year.  Am on a different computer. 

[DoninGA]

@ellenmkraft Do you not know if you purchased, downloaded and installed the 2024 desktop edition on a personal computer that you own?

If you do not have the 2024 TurboTax software on your personal computer, then look in the Documents directory for the TurboTax folder.  If the folder is there, open the folder and see if you have PDF or Tax Data Files for 2024.