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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 11:57:14 PM

Can tax files prepared on an iMac be read and used by a Turbotax program on a Windows computer?

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:16 PM

Yes, the *.taxYYYY data file can be opened in either the MAC or Windows version.  You will need the software for that particular tax year if you want to OPEN the data file.

Or are you asking if you can transfer a prior year *.taxYYYY data file prepared in Mac, such as a 2017 return into a 2018 return in the Windows version?    The answer is "yes" to that, too.

7 Replies
Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:16 PM

Yes, the *.taxYYYY data file can be opened in either the MAC or Windows version.  You will need the software for that particular tax year if you want to OPEN the data file.

Or are you asking if you can transfer a prior year *.taxYYYY data file prepared in Mac, such as a 2017 return into a 2018 return in the Windows version?    The answer is "yes" to that, too.

New Member
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:17 PM

Thank you epo39b; really appreciate you taking the tie to answer my question.

Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:19 PM

You're welcome.  Good luck.

Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:20 PM

@user98989
Wait a minute.   I see you are using OS X 10.11.6.   TurboTax 2018 cannot install on that OS X.  It requires 10.12 or higher.    Maybe that's why you are asking this question.    Are you switching to Windows for 2018  TurboTax because your Mac OS X version is not supported?

New Member
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:21 PM

Absolutely; I want to get more use out of my old iMac and not buy an expensive new iMac or an Apple laptop.  So, since windows computers are much cheaper--I'd like to buy one of those just for doing taxes and for the few times I go on the road.  So, do you think this will this work (or not)?  (Thanks in advance for your help).

Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 11:57:23 PM

Yes.  The answer is still the same.   I just wanted to make sure you weren't intending to use 2018 TurboTax also on your Mac.  Good luck.

New Member
Feb 1, 2024 7:32:56 AM

Thank you as well.  I had the same question and your answers was very helpful.