topic I bought a new computer and I need to finish my 2021 tax returns, but the software is downloaded on my old computer, so how do I put it on my new computer? thanks in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

I bought a new computer and I need to finish my 2021 tax returns, but the software is downloaded on my old computer, so how do I put it on my new computer? thanks

scottchan71 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:06:14 GMT

Re: I bought a new computer and I need to finish my 2021 tax returns, but the software is downloaded on my old computer, so how do I put it on my new computer? thanks

VolvoGirl — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 22:48:19 GMT

How to reinstall Turbo Tax on Windows
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/reinstall-turbotax-windows/00/25989

After you get the program reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

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

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.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2021 to finish or to transfer into 2022. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file.

Re: I bought a new computer and I need to finish my 2021 tax returns, but the software is downloaded on my old computer, so how do I put it on my new computer? thanks

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 22:51:07 GMT

If you were using the CD/download on the old computer, the tax file is only stored on that hard drive; it is not stored online.

Did you save the tax file on the old computer? Can you/did you put it on a flash drive?

First you will need to download the 2021 software to your new computer. Then --- using a backup device such as a flash drive, put the tax file from the return you started on the old computer on the new one. Once you move the data to the new computer then you can continue to work on the return, which must be filed by mail. E-filing is closed for 2021 returns.

Access your downloads here

https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/commerce/account/secure/login.jsp?pagecontext=download

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/activating-turbotax-cd-download-software/00/852971

To find your license code:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/i-can-t-find-my-license-code/01/852973