If you use the CD or download TurboTax software, your tax files are stored wherever you save them on the computer that you use. In Windows the default location is the My Documents\TurboTax folder, but you could have saved them somewhere else. The tax returns data files for 2017 have the file name extension .tax2017. You might also have saved your tax return as a PDF.

You will want to copy your tax files to the new computer. You can copy them from the old computer to the new one before you discard the old computer. You can copy them to removable media such as a flash drive, CD, or external hard drive, or you can copy them to online ("cloud") storage such as Dropbox, then copy them to the new computer. Even when you are not changing computers, you should make backup copies of your tax files on external media in case of any problem with your computer. TurboTax does not have copies of your tax files when you use the CD or download software. The files are only on your own computer and any backup copies that you make.

You are posting from desktop  software.  If you are going to change computers then back up all your important files on a CD or flash drive. I suggest printing paper copies of tax returns as well.  When you use desktop software your tax files are not stored online with TurboTax--they are only on your own hard drive or any backup device you used.

Can I move the data files from c:\documents\turbotax to a removable drive, and use the Turbotax program on my computer while accessing the data files on the removable drive?

Yes ... you can move the files for safe keeping to a removable drive  however  the files must be moved back to the hard drive for use ... it will not work remotely.

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

• Why would I use Forms Mode?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Windows software?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Mac software?

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

• >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy: 
• 1.  Open your return in TurboTax. 
• 2.  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
• 3.  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• 4. Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
•  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

• >>  use the WHAT IF tool: 
• - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
• - Click on the Open Form Icon 
• - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
• - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
• - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1. From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
   • Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
3. In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
4. Click Save and then close TurboTax.
5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

• Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?

AND protect the files :

• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

I have always used TurboTax CD and never uploaded my tax files. Looking at my tax return to file for this year, I see a "history" worksheet that has my past five years tax information!! I have a new computer and the software is also purchase this year.  So, the data could not possibly have come from my computer!!  How did TurboTax find this data!!  Have they been uploading my tax data without my knowledge and/or permission!!

When you use the .tax file, the previous tax year information is uploaded and transferred into the new year.  The information comes from the file on your computer, not from Intuit.

Please note that I am not talking about last year taxes, but for the past five years which I do not have the data on my computer!! The computer is new and the Turbotax software  was installed from a CD that was purchased recently!!

You can always access your transcripts from the IRS to get your tax info if needed. Help with obtaining these can be found by clicking here.

Please not that I do not want my tax records. I just want to understand how Turbotax has access to my tax file history when I have always used Turbotax CD for preparing my tax returns and none of the files is stored on the present computer for 2020 tax return preparation.

Did you transfer from the .tax2019 file into 2020?  If you have been transferring from the prior year each new year, it brings over the history.  It's all in the same file.  

Thank you.  Please comment if TurboTax accesses and maintains a copy of the tax file, when e-file feature is used with CD version?

When e-filing with TurboTax CD, is it required to upload 1099-R's or any other form.  If so, how is it done?

Well you have to either import or manually enter your 1099R and forms.  It works the same way as the online version but you get more features.  You can do more than 1 return and see and enter into the actual forms.  And Desktop has a What-If worksheet.  

You can efile your return like from the online version or print and mail it.  

At what point does TurboTAx prompt me to upload my 1099?

thanks

I'm confused.  You said you have been using the CD program in the past?  Then you have entered your W2s and 1099s into the program.  What do you need help with?  Did you get a different kind of 1099 this year?  What do you need to enter?  What version do you have!  Like Deluxe or Home & Business?

Thanks

Sorry for the confusion. I have been using TurboTax Premier for many years and have printed and mailed my returns, except for last year that a paid preparer e-filed my return (not with TurboTax). Now, this year, I am back to TurboTax Premier CD and have not filed yet. I just like to know what am I up against if I go the e-file route! Would it ask me to upload my 1099? At what point? And if so, how is it done?

Thanks

When I mailed my return, I was required to attach my W-2 and 1099’s! Now, if I e-File my return, how do I attach my 1099 forms? Or, attaching the forms is not required!

thanks

Thanks.

Ok.  No you do everything the same way as when you mailed it.  After you finish filling out your return and are ready to file you can efile or print and mail.  If you efile you will need to enter your 2019 AGI to verify yourself to the IRS.  

Turbo Tax won't see your return.  They just Transmit it to the IRS.  It isn't saved or stored online.  

But if you used someone else to do 2019 you know you won't be able to transfer from 2019 to start 2020. You will have to enter everything from scratch.

Last year, in parallel with the paid tax preparer, I also did my return in TurboTax, but did not file the TurboTax version. Now, I have my Premier TurboTax CD version almost done (waiting for TurboTax to update with Form 2210). At this point I am wondering if I e-file with TurboTax, do I need to attach 1099, and if so, will I be prompted to do so?

No you don't "attach" anything.  It's exactly the same way as print and mail.  But when you efile there is nothing to mail in and the IRS gets your return right away and processes it faster.  When you are ready to file just try Efiling and see how it goes.  

After you enter all your income and info, you go through the Review tab.  Then you go all the way through the File tab, through the 3 steps and hit the big orange Transmit Returns Now button.

You will need to enter your 2019 AGI to efile 2020.  If you didn't file a 2019 return or filed late in the year you enter 0 for the AGI.  If you are married and filed Joint last year you enter the same AGI for each of you.

When you efile you get back 2 emails.  The first email only confirms the transmission.  The second email says if the IRS (or state) Accepted or Rejected your efile.

In the Desktop program it is $20 to efile a state return or you can still print and mail state for free.  On March 1 the fee goes up to $25.  You need to pay the fee by credit card.  Or you can have it deducted from a federal refund but the charge a Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California).

Thank you so much!! So, there is no uploading and attachment of 1099 when I e-file? Please also talk me through State e-filing process and the payment process! If I choose pay by check, when and how do I get the vouchers to pay the taxes! Also, if I choose bank account transfer, how does it work? Both for Federal & State?!

I really appreciate and am Thankful for all your guidance and input.

Thanks again!

Just wait and ask when you get there.  Yes you can pay the tax due by check. You can print out the payment vouchers and any estimates payment slips you need.  It should be easy.  Just go slow though the File tab and read all the screens slowly and carefully.  Stop and ask if you get stuck.