Changing from TurboTax online to the CD version

[be400cpt]

Have been using the online version for years.  Now I see I can import my LLP K1s but only to the CD version.  If I change to the CD version will it import information from  previous years, i.e. loss carry overs and other personal information?

[AnthonyC · Accepted solution]

Yes, but it will involve a few steps.  I will give you the instructions now just so you have them if you want to make this switch.

Overview:  You are going to be creating a "mock" 2016 return online.  This is so you can transfer the 2015 data that you have online into 2016.  Then, you will move the 2016 file from online to your desktop, install the desktop product, and open the 2016 file in desktop.

Start with these steps -

1. Log into your online account you used for 2015 and "start" a 2016 return
   
2. Use the transfer feature ("HeadStart") to transfer your 2015 data into your 2016 online return
   
3. Now, you should have a 2016 return started online with all of your information from 2015
   

After you have the 2016 online return started, follow the steps below to transfer to desktop -

1. Log into your TurboTax Online Account and select Take Me to My Return
   
2. In the blue banner at the top, click on My Account and select Tools from the dropdown menu
   
3. In the small box that populates, click on Save your 2016 return to your Computer (try to save to an easy-to-find location such as My Documents or Desktop)
   
4. This will download a .tax2016 file to your computer - make note of where that file is saved to on your computer
   
5. Sign out of TurboTax Online and, if you haven't done so already, install TurboTax 2016 CD/Download. Windows | Mac
   
6. Important:  If you Online return already contains one or more states, you must install those states in your desktop program also; otherwise, you will receive errors when you attempt to open your return
   
7. Once installed, choose File > Open Tax Return.
   
8. Browse to where you saved the .tax2016 file in step 3, select it, and then click Open.
   
9. Choose File > Save.
   
10. (Optional) Once you are satisfied that your online returns transferred over properly, you can clear your Online return.  Note:  This will remove your data online, so I would recommend waiting until you have at least filed your return before clearing any online data, but the choice is yours.
    

Now, you should have your 2016 return on your computer and can continue to use the desktop software program to finish your return.  For next year, you can use the transfer feature inside the desktop program and will be able to skip all these steps.