change of computers

[irladnd]

I filed my 2024 return using Turbotax but now have a new computer. I've installed Turbotax 2024 again but it doesn't retrieve the file.  How do I get set up so that Turbotax 2025 will be able to transfer data in for the start of that return?

[mesquitebean]

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@ irladnd wrote:

I filed my 2024 return using Turbotax but now have a new computer. I've installed Turbotax 2024 again but it doesn't retrieve the file.  How do I get set up so that Turbotax 2025 will be able to transfer data in for the start of that return?

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If you used desktop software for the 2024 return, you should have a *.tax2024 data file on your computer.  In Windows the default file location is in the Documents\TurboTax folder, but it could be anywhere you saved it.

That's the file you will need to transfer into your 2025 return next year.   So make a good backup of it in case anything happens to your computer.

"I've installed Turbotax 2024 again but it doesn't retrieve the file."

If you want to open the 2024 data file, launch your TurboTax 2024.  If Windows version, at the main screen go to the top TurboTax menubar and in the left corner choose FILE, then in the dropdown menu OPEN TAX RETURN.  Point TurboTax to the file location.   But see my Edit Note below about installing the state software first, if applicable, before you open the data file.

EDIT NOTE:   Added 4/24/2025 at 3:58 PM Pacific

  As @ VolvoGirl  stresses in her comment below, before opening the 2024 data file, if it contains a state return, be sure to install the state software first.  Otherwise you may get an error notice.   See additional recommendations in her posting below.

[VolvoGirl]

What I would do on the old computer, is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. 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 your return. 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.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2023 to transfer into 2024 or .tax2024 to transfer into next year. You can't transfer the programs. They have to be installed from the CD or Download. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file. And they only support the last 3 years. If you install an older year you won't be able to update it or download any state programs, so you won't be able to open your return.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...

IMPORTANT
After you get the program installed or reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return 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 FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN