How do I transfer last year's return into TurboTax Online?

by TurboTax •   414
Updated July 30, 2026 12:28 PM

Follow the instructions for your situation below.

Note: If your TurboTax navigation looks different from what’s described here, learn more.

What if I used TurboTax Online last year?

Sign in with the same user ID you used last year and we'll transfer your information over.

Can't remember last year's info? Try our account recovery tool.

How do I switch from TurboTax Desktop to TurboTax Online?

  • You can't transfer your current year return.

  • You won't be able to transfer a PDF, it must be a tax data file with a file name extension .tax2024.

  • Remove any password protection from the data file before transferring. Follow these instructions.

  • You have to use TurboTax Online on your computer to do this transfer (it won’t work from a mobile device).

  • If you already started your 2025 return in TurboTax Online, transferring will clear any info you have already entered.

Follow these steps to switch from TurboTax Desktop to TurboTax Online:

  1. Sign in to TurboTax Online.

  2. From Tax Home, start a new return, or open or continue a section of a return you already started.

  3. Select Tax Tools from the menu, and then Tools.

  4. Select Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.

  5. Follow the instructions to finish transferring your file.

Can I transfer last year's return data from other tax software?

Select the method you used to file last year and use the help links and instructions to transfer your PDF and to change your filing status (like Single or Married Filing Jointly), if different.

Keep in mind:

  • The PDF needs to be your 1040 or 1040-SR.

  • The program accepts PDFs from a range of providers, such as HR Block, Credit Karma, TaxAct, ezTaxReturn, TaxSlayer, or Liberty Tax/Tax Brain.

We support a wide number of other providers and keep expanding our capabilities.

In certain situations, the program might not accept a PDF, such as when it's password protected, when it's a scan of a hard copy rather than an electronic PDF, or in certain other cases. If this happens, we'll guide you through typing in your info.

What if I want to switch from TurboTax Online to Desktop?

Switching from TurboTax Online to TurboTax Desktop? Follow these instructions.

Found what you need?

Already have an account? Sign in

(4.7/5 | 193,784 reviews)

TurboTax flag icon

Unlock tailored help options in your account

Person smiling while representing TurboTax

Get answers to all your tax questions

Our experts are available on-demand, no appointment needed. Get help all year long with TurboTax Expert Assist.

Intuit Logo
TurboTax LogoCreditKarma LogoQuickBooks LogoMailChimp Logo

©1997-2026 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.