topic How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

DeeGeeWhy — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:52:46 GMT

HELP ! I've used Turbo Tax Deluxe Desktop version last year (2021 Tax Year). My Macbook OS will not allow me to use it this year, so I began a tax return this year using TT Online.

Is there a way to upload last year's .tax2021 file to TT Online? If so, HOW?

I read in the TT forum that I could go to the "Tools" ... I don't see a "Tools" menu option. Does this year's Online version have a Tools option. If so, where is it ?

Re: How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

ee-ea — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 23:30:43 GMT

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/uninstall-products/switch-turbotax-cd-download-turbotax-online/L4awg8jwG_US_en_US?uid=ldgl05e

Re: How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

DeeGeeWhy — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 00:56:34 GMT

Thanks for the link, BUT ... I saw this link before, and, as I stated in my question, I do not see a "Tax Tools" in the left-side menu. What am I missing?

Re: How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

DianeW777 — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:09:43 GMT

First you must sign into TurboTax Online to create an account. You have to use TurboTax Online on your computer to do this transfer (it won’t work from a mobile device/mobile web, or in the mobile app).

Sign in to TurboTax Online and start a new return, or open or continue a return you already started by signing in
After the screen has loaded, to the point you can see the black menu on the left > select the Tax Tools dropdown menu in the left column, and then select Tools
In the pop-up window, select the Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer link (if you don’t see this option, you may need to clear and start over)

Follow the instructions to finish transferring your file. Once you're done, follow these instructions to return your CD/Download copy of TurboTax.

See the image below.

Re: How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

Rumo4118 — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:32:44 GMT

There is NO TAX TOOLS MENU. Every login I try rejects my password. I have reset password. I have entered 6-digit codes. When I get to a password failed screen where I can choose Forgot Password (which isn't true, but it's the only option) it asks me for the answer to a Security Question that I never set.

I have been using Turbotax since it was Macintax. I've had many issues, but this is THE WORST. Basically, I am regretting that I took the online option and didn't buy a CD from Staples. My last attempt to follow your instructions (using the QR code and my phone camera) resulted in an offer to BUY ANOTHER COPY for $129, which is about twice what I paid for the download.

Intuit's supposed help line is NO HELP AT ALL, and there's no live option, no chat, etc.

Re: How Do I transfer tax info from Desktop version to Online Version for first time

VolvoGirl — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:54:18 GMT

@Rumo4118 They are not selling CDs anymore. Only downloads. Did you buy the Download program from Turbo Tax or are you using the Online version? People who bought the Desktop Download have accidentally ended up in the Online version. Don't confuse the Download with the Online version. The Download is exactly the same as the CD program. After you buy the download you can buy an install CD for $10 if you want.

Did you get a 16 digit License Code? That is for the Desktop program. You need to download and install the program.

How to get started with the Desktop program, install and activate it
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/product-delivery/download-software-turbotax-com/L7u9oLEkq_US_en_US?uid=luqgvzrd