What files do I need to copy from my laptop where I have done my taxes for 2018 to my desktop to finish my 2018 taxes?

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You have to install the TurboTax software on your desktop computer from the CD or download. You can't copy the installed software. If you have a state tax return, you also have to install the state.

The name of the file that you have to copy for your tax return information is whatever name you gave it when you saved it, with the file name extension .tax2018. All the information is in that one file. The default location of the file is My Documents/TurboTax, but you could have saved it somewhere else.

For instructions to copy the tax return data file to the new computer, see the FAQ at the following link.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901474-how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-computer

To find the tax return data file on the old computer, see the FAQ at the following link.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows

The copied files will not appear automatically on the opening screen when you start TurboTax. You have to click the blue link that says "Find a Tax File" and navigate to where the files are. Only files that were saved on the same computer appear on the opening screen. If you open a tax file on the new computer and then save it, it will then appear on the opening screen.