i am using a different computer this year. i need to know how to transfer last year to my new computer so turbo tax will pick up my previous info

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 20, 2025
7 replies
92 views

how do i download last years taxes to turbo tax

RobertB4444

Alumni - Intuit

You'll need to locate the tax file from last year and transfer that file to your new computer.

Here's how to find the tax file on your computer.

Once you have moved the file to your new computer you will need to open your 2024 desktop software and tell it where you put the file. Then it will be able to open it and transfer all of the data into this year.

@renees369

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VolvoGirl

Level 15

Are you using the Desktop installed program? You need to have the .tax2023 file on your computer to transfer into 2024. You need to copy it from the old computer. Or did you use the Online version?

What I would do on the old computer, is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. 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 your return. 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.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2023 to transfer into 2024 or .tax2024 to transfer into next year. You can't transfer the programs. They have to be installed from the CD or Download. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file. And they only support the last 3 years. If you install an older year you won't be able to update it or download any state programs, so you won't be able to open your return.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-computer/00/26128

DJMW

Level 2

Thank you, VolvoGirl. This was very helpful. Do I need to do anything different when my old computer was a PC and my new computer is a Mac?

MarilynG

Alumni - Intuit

Yes, you can transfer your 2024 TurboTax file (.tax2024) from a Windows PC to the 2025 TurboTax program on a Mac. Copy the file to a USB drive, move it to your Mac (preferably the Documents > TurboTax folder), then use File > New Tax Return in the 2025 Mac app to import it.

@DJMW

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Mrbjr2005

Level 2

What if i dont have access to that computer and i started doing them on the online version because my computer didnt support windows 11.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

If you don't have a 2024 file ending in .tax2024 to transfer into 2025 you will need to start without transferring. You will have to manually enter any 2024 info it wants as you enter 2025. Do you have a pdf or printed copy of your 2024 return?