topic Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

Phoenixbt — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:38:04 GMT

I'm using turbo tax premier on windows and am trying to import last year's 2020 file. It finds the file on my machine, but when I click transfer return, a pop-up with a circle comes up and says reading return for about 3-4 seconds and then goes away and nothing happens. The only thing I'm able to do it proceed without importing.

Anyone run into this/any tips on what to try? Thanks!

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

MichelleLO — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 21:35:47 GMT

Has your software been updated recently? If not, please make sure to update it.

How do I update my TurboTax CD/Download software program?

Please also see the below TurboTax help article to assist with transferring your 2020 tax file.

Transfer last year's return to 2021 TurboTax for Windows

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

Phoenixbt — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 21:38:34 GMT

Hello, thanks for the reply. Yes I just updated it today upon starting it up. I also restarted the program and computer after updating, but no luck.

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

MichelleLO — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 15:50:49 GMT

Please try the troubleshooting steps in the below TurboTax help article.

Troubleshoot transferring from a prior year return

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

neil4tt — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 06:52:52 GMT

Hi, I am having the exact same problem. Importing 2020 return in TT 2021 H&B (after the latest updates) shows the pop-up but does nothing.
Trying to open last year's return in TT 2020 H&B (which is updated) says error. I have kept multiple copies on different media, and it has the same issue for all of them.

Is there any workaround for this? How does one debug/fix this?

Neil

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

CarissaM — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:00:21 GMT

Please follow the instructions here to import the return.

If the above does not assist you, please follow the instructions here to contact us by phone to better assist.

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

neil4tt — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 02:28:58 GMT

Thanks Carissa. I tried those steps, but neither does TT2021 import, nor can TT2020 can even open the file anymore! [I do not believe it is a file corruption issue, as I have multiple copies of multiple returns on different media that I have tested].

I am going to try contacting the help line next.

Neil

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

CarissaM — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 22:29:38 GMT

Please let us know if the support line is unable to assist you @neil4tt .

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

Phoenixbt — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 22:43:55 GMT

Quick update as I was able to get mine working finally. I also had multiple copies of the .2020 file I had exported, but none of them worked. Almost as if the file is corrupt that turbo tax exported. This was stored on multiple locations so it wasn’t the drive.

I thankfully had the machine I did the taxes on last year with TT 2020 still installed. I was able to start that up and it opened my return that I had filed. I did another save as from there, saved the new file, and then 2021 imported just fine.

No idea why this worked, but hope this helps someone!

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

neil4tt — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 00:43:53 GMT

Glad you did. Still not working for me. This time, while bringing up the older TT2020, it wanted the license key which I did. Also made sure the version was updated. It still did not open any of the files from any of the media. Planning to call support next.

Neil

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

RobertB4444 — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 01:04:45 GMT

It is a good idea to first clear your cache and cookies - which means removing all of the temporary programs that can gum up your web browser. If that doesn't work, try using a different web browser.

Here is a link on how to clear your cache and cookies.

You are probably better off having someone walk through the return with you to look at your entries so I recommend getting live expert help.

Here is a link to finding a TurboTax expert.

However, that requires upgrading your product which may be an expense you don't want. In that case you can call an expert and ask questions over the phone.

Here is a link to the TurboTax Phone Number.

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

neil4tt — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:54:20 GMT

Your response misunderstood my request.

I have Desktop (CD-ROM) versions of TT2020 and TT2021. I am running the TT from my hard drive, so there is not browser in the picture (so clearing cache does not apply). I am using the TT Home & Business version.

My TT2020 cannot open the tax files it once created and also filed electronically.

Neil

Re: Trying to import 2020 taxes and stuck at reading return pop-up

EbonyA — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 21:07:42 GMT

When you are able to, please contact support via phone for one-on-one assistance being that your issue persists. Feel free to let us know what happens @neil4tt.