transfer prior year data to new computer

[japon]

tThe computer I was using for several years will no longer be supported by Turbotax, so I want to load the 2020 desktop version on a new computer.  Can I bring the 2019 tax file over so that turbotax can pick up profile info and prior year data, or do I have to reenter everything?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes!  You just need to copy the file ending in .tax2019.   You only need the file ending in .tax2019 to transfer into 2020.

Your tax files end in .tax or .tax2015, .tax2016, .tax2017 or .tax2018 etc.  They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder.  You should also have the pdf files of each year.  Or search your computer for all files ending in .tax.  Also if you haven't done it,  I would open each year in the program and save it as a PDF file, go to File-Save to PDF so you don't need the program installed to view or print your return in the future like to get a mortgage or loan, etc.

What I would do is just copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents.  That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored.  Copy that folder to a flash drive or best yet is to burn it to a CD or DVD and then you will have a backup of them.   Then on the new computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder.

The programs need to be installed from the CD or download them again.  You don't need to install them unless you need to amend or open a return.