topic Download previous year software on new computer in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Download previous year software on new computer

maryhf — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:23:48 GMT

I purchased a new computer. My new computer does not have a CD drive so I had to create an account online to download the software. I am trying to download software for previous years. I had used a CD in previous years. When I try to download I get the following message "The license code has already been associated with an account. Please check that account and look for it in downloads".

I have tried contacting support only to be on the phone almost two hours with no resolution. The second person who I was apparently transferred to hung up on me and never called me back.

One of her suggestions was that I purchase the previous years' software again. Per Turbo Tax you can install the software on up to 5 computers. I am trying to download the software on a new computer and would only be the second installation. I should not have to buy several years of software again.

I saw a post that said I should call in and ask for a download and license code. I have asked for this but the employee I am talking with is not able to help with that request.

Please help!

Re: Download previous year software on new computer

VolvoGirl — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 04:36:07 GMT

Why do you want to install the prior years?

You only need the file ending in .tax2021 to transfer into 2022.

Your tax files end in .tax or .tax2017, .tax2018 or .tax2019 or .tax2020 etc. They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder. You should also have the pdf files of each year. Or search your computer for all files ending in .tax. 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 or print your return in the future like to get a mortgage or loan, etc.

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.

The programs need to be installed from the CD or download them again. You don't need to install them unless you need to amend or open a return. They only support the last 3 years so you might not be able to update older years or download any state programs you need.

Re: Download previous year software on new computer

maryhf — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 04:41:12 GMT

I already have my data files. I don't need help with that. The issue is downloading the software as I do need to amend some returns.

Re: Download previous year software on new computer

CarissaM — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 18:55:50 GMT

It would be best to give us a call here, so we can better assist you. We can access your account over the phone and see if we can push the downloads to your account. @maryhf