Unable to import 2023 data to online deluxe version of Turbotax

[MikeH36]

I've used this software for years but I'm thoroughly frustrated with this year's version. I can't even get to first base.

I activated Turbotax but am completely unable to import last  year's returns/info even though I'm using the same computer and the required files are clearly there. I've spent  about 4 hrs on this including 1.5 hrs on the phone with an agent which solved nothing. when all else failed she had me download a version but I wasn't able to activate it because she couldn't get me a new activation code.

It looks like I bought a completely useless piece of junk. I'm disgusted.

[xmasbaby0]

Wait---what "activation code?"    Do you mean the 16 digit license code for the desktop download?   There is no activation code for online TurboTax.  If you have a license key it is for the desktop download to use on a full PC or Mac.    The difference this year is that instead of using a CD to install desktop you just download the software to your hard drive.   

HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH TT DESKTOP

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/license-information/install-turbotax-cd-...

[Mike9241]

technically you don't import your 2023 tax return data. rather it's a transfer. you need the xxxx.tax2023 file on your computer. when you open the 2024 app, you click on the link to start a new return to enable the app to search for the 2023 tax file. if it doesn't find it you can use the browse link to find it. once found click on the link to transfer return. 

[MikeH36]

Unfortunately, it just doesn't work. The file is there in the specified location. If I go to the file and click on it, it brings up our 2023 returns correctly. However, the online deluxe version will not import any of the information from last year's returns, even with the correct SINs. It's totally frustrating, not to say useless. If it won't even process this first step, how many more issues am I going to face with this version, even if I input all last year's information and carry-forwards by hand? How can I trust software like this? It's pathetic!   

[MikeH36]

Actually you are quite wrong. The Deluxe Online Edition calls th e16 character string an activation code.

[xmasbaby0]

@MikeH36 You are confused about desktop download software and "online" software.    Deluxe Online is a web-based program that you use online --- you come to the TurboTax site to use online software and you do NOT use a 16 digit code.  You pay for the online software before you e-file, or you choose to pay from your federal refund.  With online software, you get one return per fee; each return needs its own account and user ID.   There are separate fees for federal and state returns.  When you use online TurboTax, your tax returns are stored in your online account for seven years.

The software that uses the 16 digit code is desktop download software that you download to your own hard drive and launch from your own computer to run and prepare tax returns.  You enter that 16 digit code when you download the software; after you have the program on your computer, you can prepare and e-file multiple returns for the one-time download fee for which you purchased a license.   (state e-files are an extra fee).    When you use desktop software, your tax returns are stored on your own hard drive.

[xmasbaby0]

@MikeH36 

Wait-----"SIN's"   ????   This is the user forum for U.S. tax returns.  Are you in Canada?   You need the user forum for Canada.  No wonder you are confused.

https://turbotax.community.intuit.ca/community/turbotax-support/help/03/en-cahttps://turbotax.intuit.ca/tax-software/index.jsp

[Mike9241]

activation code is not the same as importing the 2023 return. It's merely to activate the 2023 app so you can use it. once activated you can then transfer the data from your 2022 return provided the file is on your computer.