Cannot continue 2024 TT Online return in TT desktop app

[AdeK]

Hi there, 

I started and nearly completed my 2024 return in TT online. However, I need to fill out some lines on the return directly, functionality that only the desktop version of TT offers.

The TurboTax help link found here explicitly states that a saved 2024 online return can be continued in TT desktop. I made the decision to purchase the desktop app based on this!

But when I launch the desktop app and sign in, at no point am I prompted to continue my 2024 return from TT online. This option is also not available in any of the destkop menus. The app only has options to open files locally on my machine or start a new return. I just want to import the work I spent 2 plus hours entering on TT online! What am I missing? Thanks for any help!

[DoninGA]

Click on the File menu at the top left of the desktop program screen.  Click on Open Tax Return.  Then browse to the location where you downloaded the 2024 tax data file from the online edition.

[AdeK]

I want to continue from an in progress 2024 online return, not load a saved return from my local machine.

The help article link I provided in the original message indicates that this should be possible, but none of the options to continue an in progress online return are available in the desktop app as outlined in the help article.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes that link should work.  There should be a Continue from Online button.  Did you buy or install the Desktop program in the same account you did Online in?  Are you on Windows or Mac?

Or you can download the tax file ending in .tax2024 from Online.   Save the tax file

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...

Then open it in your program.  Go up to File-Open.

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to F.ILE - NEW).  Just enter some basic personal info like your name and address then click on the State tab at the top and it should ask if you want to download the state program.

[AdeK]

Yeah, I definitely used the same account to buy the desktop app as I'm using for the online return. I'm on Mac.

I'd be happy to just download the .tax file and go from there, but I can't download the file until I pay for TT online. Which, I don't want to do since I just bought the desktop version and the filings that come with that!

I'm kind of wondering if there is some kind of blocker in getting the continue from online option because I downloaded the basic desktop app but used TT Premium in the online return. I'm not sure if that makes sense, since there isn't a 1:1 relationship between the desktop and online price plans.

[VolvoGirl]

You can download the tax data file ending in .tax2024 for free.  You only have to pay to get the pdf file.   Go look for it again.

[VolvoGirl]

Here’s a screenshot that was just posted but i think It’s for Windows.  Go up to File-Open

[AdeK]

OMG I had convinced myself I couldnt' do this, so I didn't process the link you provided. Upon a second look, you are totally right. I was able to easily grab that .tax2024 file. 

I'm still not sure why I couldn't continue from online as the help article described, but you are a lifesaver. I'll see if this gets me sorted out. Thanks!

[DoninGA]

Close your 2024 TurboTax desktop edition and then re-start the program.

On the very first screen that is shown when starting the program there is a blue button labeled Continue from TurboTax Online

If you do not see this button on the very first screen then you need to make sure that your software is at the latest release.  Click on Online at the top of the desktop program screen.  Click on Check for Updates

This is a screenshot of the screen showing the button Continue from TurboTax Online -

[VolvoGirl]

Wait,   You bought and installed the Basic version?  Do you need to do a state return?   Basic doesn’t come with the state program download.   So you have to buy a state extra.  And there maybe some other differences from the higher Desktop programs.  But yes All the Desktop programs have the same forms. You just get more help and guidance in the higher versions. 

[AdeK]

It turns out it wouldn't let me "continue from TurboTax Online" until I upgraded the desktop Basic version to Premier.

Once I upgraded and activated Premier, the option suddenly appeared, albeit in a slightly different way than the way it presents on PC.

I'm sure this is an edge case, but maybe it helps someone out in the future. Thanks for the guidance, all!

[VolvoGirl]

GREAT!   Thanks for letting us know and posting a Mac screenshot.  Were you able to upgrade from inside  the Basic version?  Were you able to bring in your Online return?