How to import TurboTax return info from previous year into a current year return that is already mostly completed, on Desktop version?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
December 18, 2022
1 reply
13 views

I am about finished with a current year return, when I needed to make changes to my previous year return that has not been filed yet. Now I need to import those previous changes into the current return.

Can 'import previous' only occur when you first start a new return? Why is there not simply an 'update/transfer previous year' info button? I cannot be the first user to ever process more than one year at a time, with this type of issue. It would be absurd to start over. Otherwise, going forward each year, the past return info will always be incorrect.

TurboTax Home & Biz Windows

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Sorry. You can only transfer into a new blank return. Or make the changes manually in the current return. What did you need to change in 2021? Maybe it won't affect 2022.

Deckard1Author

Level 2

Thanks. Thats a dumb limitation.

NCperson

Level 15

@Deckard1 - It is not a 'dumb limitation'.

Turbo Tax presumes that its customer has completed the prior year return (and filed!) before beginning the current year return. I suspect that covers 99.5% of its customer based - and maybe higher. You may not be the only one requiring that functionality but are in quite a minority.

Why should TT create the functionality that could cost millions, for such a few users.

further, since the IRS signs off on their software, why would the IRS approve changes that provide flexibilty to delay filing?

why is holding you back from completing the prior year tax return? and what is it that would require carrying forward, other than a tax loss carry forward?