topic Re: Turbotax software question in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Turbotax software question

VAer — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:52:17 GMT

I just bought and installed turbotax from Costco website. I have been using Turbotax website e-file before(I spent around $138 last year for Premier), which is more expensive than software. It costs less than $70 on Costco website, so I decide to use Turbotax from now on.

Question: I downloaded TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 and 2021_TaxReturn.pdf, when I start a new return, and I browse TurboTaxReturn.tax2021, and it will import personal information from previous year. Does it import carryover loss from previous year? Do I need 2021_TaxReturn.pdf? I saw from a post somewhere that I need both TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 and 2021_TaxReturn.pdf, but I don't see how to use both files. Since when it only allows me to browse one file when starting a new return.

I am still waiting for tax forms, and have not really started the return form yet, just want to figure out how turbotax software works.

Thanks.

Re: Turbotax software question

xmasbaby0 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:13:28 GMT

The file you want to transfer in is the tax file, not the pdf. The tax file is the one with all of the information from the 2021 tax return.

How to transfer last year’s return? https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883

You have to do that transfer at the very beginning, before you start to enter any new 2022 data.

Re: Turbotax software question

Critter-3 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:20:43 GMT

If you correctly transfer (not import) the prior year .taxfile when you start the 2022 return (you should have been prompted to do so) then all the carryforward info will be in there ... always check everything before you file which is easy in the downloaded program.

This is my mini version of a tutorial that should be in the downloaded program:

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

>>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy:
1. Open your return in TurboTax.
2. From the File menu, choose Save As.
3. Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name).
4. Click Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

>> use the WHAT IF tool:
- Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view)
- Click on the Open Form Icon
- In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form
- You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form
- To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
Browse to where you want to save your backup.
- Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
Click Save and then close TurboTax.
Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

AND protect the files :

How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

Re: Turbotax software question

SteamTrain — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:24:44 GMT

And yes, the .tax2021 datafile will transfer your carryover loss data.

But you also want to download all prior tax years of PDF files to your computer for future reference.

Once you get out of the Online software.....you may lose track, or access to that online account to get those PDF files at some time in the future, so get those files NOW.

Might be a good idea to get the .tax2019 & .tax2020 datafiles while you are at it, just in case you have to amend those years for any reason. The IRS could still start asking some questions about those...as those years had a mess of confusing changes.

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 15:36:31 GMT

@Critter-3

If I want to review PDF form before e-file, I should go to File > Save to PDF ?

Curious: Where is form mode to fill out data? Just getting to know more about the software. Is it View >Form ? Or Form > Open Form ?

Different from full file name TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 downloaded from website, it seems the software default file name is longer --- 2022 Form 1040 Individual Tax Return.tax2022

Thanks.

Re: Turbotax software question

VolvoGirl — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:07:28 GMT

First of all the pdf file is so you can view or print a copy of your return without needing to open the program like to give someone a copy. And if you haven't done it I would go to your online account and download all the pdf files for all the years . You may not be able to get a copy when you need one.

Then about the file name. The first thing I do after starting a new return is to save it with a better name that I can tell it apart from other tax returns (I do other returns for family and test returns) . Go up to FILE - SAVE AS and I name it like 2022 My Name.tax2022. Oh and save frequently! The Windows Desktop program does not automatically save but it should ask if you want to save when you exit. And save backups! To something external like a usb drive or a backup program or cloud. The only copy is on your computer and not saved or stored online.

When you have your return open you can switch to the Forms Mode by clicking FORMS in the upper right . The Desktop program is a lot better than the Online version. You can see and enter into the actual forms. You can get to where you want to go and jump around without it asking you a whole lot of questions.

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. It has a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

Re: Turbotax software question

Critter-3 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:34:37 GMT

@VAer

In the downloaded program you can switch back and forth between the FORMS mode and the STEP BY STEP mode at will ... look for those icons in the upper right. You don't need to save anything to a PDF file at all.

Re: Turbotax software question

VolvoGirl — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 16:46:41 GMT

I have the Windows Home & Business program so it has a couple extra menu tabs than you. But basically is the same. So ask all your questions. Here is a screen shot of a 2021 test return. See the file name I gave it at the very top? I circled the Forms button to switch to Forms.

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:19:56 GMT

@VolvoGirl

"And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms"

I heard it before, but I still don't understand it. For stock investment, it definitely requires Primier. If lower version works, why people buy higher version?

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:24:20 GMT

@Critter-3

Thanks.

Re: Turbotax software question

VolvoGirl — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:29:10 GMT

They use a higher version because they don't know they can use Deluxe or they want the extra help in Premier. I buy the Home & Business version (the highest). H&B lets you prepare W2 & 1099 forms to give out. The Desktop program doesn't require Premier, but it is Recommended. That is one of the big differences between the Online versions and the Desktop program.

Re: Turbotax software question

VolvoGirl — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 17:53:47 GMT

Made you a screen shot of the CD programs. Like for Premier it says....Recommended for (not required) and says it gives you Additional help with investments.

Re: Turbotax software question

Critter-3 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 18:08:39 GMT

I agree ... the marketing uses the word RECOMMENDED but at no time is it REQUIRED to upgrade to the Premier version ... again ALL the downloaded programs can handle all the same forms but the extra "help" screens are added to the basic version to make the extra price "worth it". Many folks don't realize that upgrading is just a marketing ploy to make more money.

Re: Turbotax software question

SteamTrain — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 18:36:43 GMT

...or referencing the requirement for Premier for Stock, Bond,& Security transactions?

In the "Online" software, Premier is required for those....in "CD/desktop/download" software, a lower version will do it.

________________

Different platforms, different somewhat subtle distinctions on their capabilities.

Re: Turbotax software question

Critter-3 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 18:43:44 GMT

For the ONLINE program you can start with the FREE version but once you try to enter something the FREE version doesn't handle you would be REQUIRED to upgrade to continue preparing a true and accurate return or refuse and leave the item off the return which could be disasterous in the future when the IRS sends the CP2000 notice.

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 18:55:49 GMT

@Critter-3

What kind of "extra help"? Getting customer service?

Is there any difference when filling out data? I mean screen questions, etc. If I don't need any human help, is there any difference? I have already installed Premier version, maybe I should consider Deluxe version next year, which could save around $20.

Thanks.

Re: Turbotax software question

Critter-3 — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:02:39 GMT

Only the online FREE version has no phone support but all the others . This forum is also a good place to find answers and pose them.

All the input screens are basically the same and will handle all tax form inputs so you can use the Deluxe if you need a state program (or the Basic if you don't) and never notice the difference in the interview flow. Only the Home & Business home screen looks different by design but it is still the same program under the sheets... like the difference in the color of the car ... they are all the same car but one has a fancier outside color.

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 19:07:36 GMT

@Critter-3

Ok, I will buy Deluxe (for State) next year. Actually, it also make sense for Turbotax to have "same" software, if really having difference between higher version and lower version, it takes more people and more time to maintenance different versions of software.

Re: Turbotax software question

VAer — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:04:52 GMT

@Critter-3 By the way, how to claim $10 credit for state e-filing? I am not e-filing now, probably in late February.

Re: Turbotax software question

VolvoGirl — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 00:10:33 GMT

I bought the Desktop program from Costco with the $10 credit so we will see how it works when we file state. My package says....Optional in-product add-on purchase must be made via payment card to receive $10 credit at time of in-product purchase.

I think that means when you pay the $20 fee to efile state in the Desktop program. Or if you need to buy a second different state program or buy Audit Defense.