topic Cannot transfer from last years return. in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Cannot transfer from last years return.

peterbluett — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:24:24 GMT

I am trying to transfer from my 2024 return into this year. I am using desktop Home and Business as I did last year. The return is a .tax2024 file. It shows up in the menu but does not import. It will let me navigate to the file on my computer but again will not import.

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

LeticiaF1 — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:06:55 GMT

If you are using TurboTax Desktop make sure all updates have been run on your program. You can do this by clicking on "Online" in the black bar across the top of your TurboTax screen. And then select "Check for Updates".

Once you are done with the update, see this TurboTax help article for more information on how to transfer you return.

If you have any additional questions or information regarding this please return to TurboTax Community and we would be glad to help.

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

baldietax — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 17:19:01 GMT

for some folks having trouble initiating the transfer (on Mac Premier at least - not sure H&B version), as an alternative to Start New Return etc - instead try Open Tax Return and open the .tax2024 file directly. The s/w should recognize it as prior year and offer to transfer it into a new return.

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

krathke — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:20:08 GMT

I have the same issue. Tried opening 2024, created duplicate, saved locally on my desktop (Mac), not in Cloud, can locate nit easily, but... nope. Won't let me import it. VERY FRUSTRATED

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

krathke — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:24:25 GMT

this fixed it:

1. The "Open Directly" Workaround

Instead of using the standard "Begin" or "Transfer" buttons, which can sometimes fail or get stuck, use this direct method:

Open your current year TurboTax software.
Go to the File menu at the top of your Mac screen and select Open Tax Return.
Manually locate and select your .tax2024 file.
The software should detect that this is a prior-year file and ask if you want to transfer its data into a new return.

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

kcdstmva — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:43:21 GMT

That solved it! Thanks!

Man, what a piece of junk this software is. Wonder if they're "vibe coding" it this year? Watch out!

Re: Cannot transfer from last years return.

normanplace — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:52:39 GMT

I still cannot transfer even using the open file approach. Ido taxes on my Mac for a few people (my kids e.g.), I am able to transfer my 2024 return but when I try to transfer any of the others it just doesn't do anything, no error just doesn't do anything.

This is a real pain!