Password on my 2022 tax file that I need to start my 2023 taxes

[Pamfo]

I need last year’s file to start this year’s. But it is password protected.  I can’t find the password. What can I do?

[MarilynG1]

If your using TurboTax Online (and did so last year), you need to Sign In to your TurboTax Account using the same User ID and Password as last year.

If you can't remember your password, you can receive a link by Email to reset it.

Here's more info on How to Access a Prior Year Return.

If you used TurboTax Desktop last year, your 2022 tax file is saved on your computer in the Documents folder.  If you are using TurboTax Desktop again this year, it will search your computer for your 2022 data file to transfer in. 

[Pamfo]

I have the turbo tax file saved on my laptop. But the file itself needs a password to use it this year. I deleted the 2022 turbo tax premiere that I used last year so that is not an option. I downloaded the software last year. I did not use the online version. 

[Pamfo]

I did the TT software to my laptop. I did not use online version.The file containing my finished 2022 tax data is there (required to use to start 2023 taxes ) but the file itself is password protected. I do not have that password. Any help? 

I also deleted the 2022 TT software. My laptop has space issues. 

[MarilynG1]

Well, if you can find the *.tax2022 file on your computer, it should be able to transfer into TurboTax Desktop for 2023.   You are not trying to open your 2022 tax file, just transfer it into TurboTax 2023.

You may have placed a password on it accidently, but TurboTax doesn't put passwords on files on your computer.  

Could it be your main system password you use to open your computer, or another password you use frequently?  In any case, you are not clicking to open the file, just make note of the location on your computer, so you can direct TT 2023 there if needed.

Here's more info on Transferring a Prior Year Return .  

@Pamfo

[cjking]

I am having the same issue and it's infuriating.  I can't figure out how to get past this

[BrittanyS]

If you deleted the 2022 desktop version of TurboTax, you will need to transfer the prior year return to your current version of TurboTax.  To do transfer, follow these steps in TurboTax Desktop:

1. Launch TurboTax 2024 and click Start a New Return (or go to File and select New Tax Return).
   • Don't select Continue, as transferring is only available on new, empty returns.
2. Select the Transfer Return button on the Good News! screen.
   • You can also select Browse and in the pop-up window, select All Files (*.*) from the dropdown menu. Then browse to wherever you stored your 2023 return and select Open.
3. Still can't find it? It might be on another computer. See this article for help in moving it to this computer.
4. Follow any onscreen instructions. We'll give you opportunities to review, edit, or delete transferred info later on.

@cjking