Error "Error processing the TurboTax file! Please make sure that this is a 2017 TurboTax file and the file is not password protected."

[zipswich]

When I started using TurboTax Business 2018, it suggested using online Quick Employer Forms (QEF), and I and I followed the instruction to get online. I chose my last year's file (xxx.tax2017) to transfer employee information because it says: "If you created your forms within TurboTax Home & Business 2017 or TurboTax Business 2017 last year, we recommend that you transfer 2017 payee information for ongoing employees - then all you have to do is update amounts for 2018."   Unfortunately, I keep getting the following error:

"Error processing the TurboTax file! Please make sure that this is a 2017 TurboTax file and the file is not password protected."

[BECLLC123]

Same issue for 2019 tax file. Is there any way to fix this?

[BrandiLO]

Have you tried opening the file yourself to see if it is password protected?

[SeanEsler]

Having the same problem with a 2021 file.

[MichelleLO]

Please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support as your issue would be best resolved with one-on-one support. Please see What is the TurboTax phone number? for instructions. 

@SeanEsler

[djstaresinic]

Solved: the file I was trying to open was my tax return file. That generated the error message every time. The one that I should have been opening was the file that was used in prior year to generate the MISC/NEC/W2 forms. That worked perfectly.  So, the point for our friends at intuit is to change the error message to be more helpful.  It should say: "Error. Be sure that the file you are trying to open is the one you used to generate your employee/contractor forms in the prior year."

[SForrestLO]

Please reach out to support, they will be able to assist you.

This FAQ will provide you with the steps to contact an agent.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

@djstaresinic