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New Member
posted Feb 1, 2021 6:06:15 PM

How can I download a previous years turbotax software?

I need to download turbotax deluxe 2019

0 19 19864
19 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 1, 2021 6:19:39 PM

If you filed a return with TurboTax and want to amend, you can download the amend software. For help, go to How do I amend a 2019 return in TurboTax?

 

If you did not file 2019 with TurboTax and wish to prepare a new return and file an amended return that was prepared somewhere else, then you can purchase the 2019 program. Go to File your 2019 taxes.

New Member
Mar 19, 2021 2:48:08 PM

I don't want to amend a return. I have a new computer on which I want to download TurboTax 2020, but I want it to transfer information from my 2019 return. Apparently, I need the 2019 software to read the info. All of my original CDs were lost in a move last Summer, and my new computer doesn't have a CD drive.

 

I spoke to someone yesterday ( Issue ID [social security number removed]) and she said I would get an email within 24 hours with a link to a page that would explain to download and install previous year's software. It's been more than 24 hours, and the email has not arrived.

Level 15
Mar 19, 2021 2:53:51 PM

You don't need the 2019 program to transfer into 2020.  Have you bought the 2020 program yet?  Do you need help downloading it?  How to download Turbo Tax instead of using the CD
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/i-bought-the-cd-but-my-computer-doesn-t-have-a-cd-drive/01/26450

 

Do you still have the old computer or backups?  

What I would do is just copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. 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 .tax2019 to transfer into 2020.

 

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-computer/00/26128

 

Level 2
Mar 26, 2021 2:11:53 PM

I can't transfer my turbotax 2019 tax return to the 2020 turbotax program. I doesn't work. Why?

Level 15
Mar 26, 2021 2:17:20 PM

What file are you trying to transfer?  A pdf or the file ending in .tax2019?  You should transfer from the .tax2019 file.  If you used the Desktop program last year, see if you have another .tax2019 file on your computer.  

Level 2
Mar 27, 2021 3:41:00 AM

Thanks for your message. I am preparing the 2020 tax return and want to transfer the 2019 tax return information to the 2020 program. It asks for a password which I never set up when saving the 2019 return. I preferred to SAVE without the security of a password. What do I do now. Can't get anyone at turbotax to talk to me as they used to in the past.

Level 2
Mar 27, 2021 1:25:18 PM

Volvogirl - I figured it out. Thanks for your input. But still frustrated I couldn't talk to someone at Turbo Tax. Might have solved it in half the time.

New Member
Jun 16, 2021 3:25:41 PM

I have already purchase the software. I was told that I would need use the installation info. How do I download the software so that I can login and amend my 2019 taxes?

Level 15
Jun 16, 2021 3:32:02 PM


@anton1006 wrote:

I have already purchase the software. I was told that I would need use the installation info. How do I download the software so that I can login and amend my 2019 taxes?


Sign onto the download website with the User ID and password you used to purchase the software - https://shopping.turbotax.intuit.com/unified/downloads?route=myaccounts

Returning Member
Jan 7, 2022 2:26:26 PM

I have my license code from my 2020 turbo tax but was unable to download this again to my new computer.  I got a new computer and I need the info from all my 2020 income taxes.

I just downloaded the 2021 taxes successfully but now need to transfer my old info from 2020.

Can you help?

 

Expert Alumni
Jan 7, 2022 4:23:16 PM

Yes, you can download your 2020 program again on your new computer.

 

Did you Sign In with the same account you used in 2020 to purchase your download?

 

If so, your 2020 download should show under Downloads so that you can download it again.

 

Click this link for more info on Downloading TurboTax. 

 

 

Level 15
Jan 7, 2022 5:04:37 PM

If you used the Desktop program for 2020 you need the data file ending in .tax2020 to transfer into 2021.  It is only on your old computer.  Do you still have access to it?  Or make any backups?  

 

Are you on Windows or Mac?
For Windows. Your tax files end in .tax or starting in 2008, .tax2008, .tax2018, .tax2019, .tax2020 etc. They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder. You should also have the pdf files of each year. Or search your computer for all files ending in .tax. 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.


What I would do is just copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. 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 .tax2020 to transfer into 2021.

 

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-computer/00/26128

 

New Member
Aug 29, 2024 1:13:39 PM

How do I get a copy or download my 2019, 2016, 2015, and 2014 Turbo Tax Versions, all of which include Home and Business and Business? I purchased these items from Turbo Tax, and they show on my account, but I'm not able to access them for download. I have stayed within the five electronic filings too. I have never electronically filed taxes for 22 years. I use Turbo Tax to run samples and scenarios before submitting them to CPA. So I need those years, as I have continual issues that arise from the past.  

Level 15
Aug 29, 2024 1:20:55 PM

So sorry.  They only support and only have the last 3 years.  You didn’t keep them installed?  If you have the .tax files you might be able to convert the personal returns to PDF files.

 

Even if you buy older versions you can not install or activate 2019.   And if you install 2018 or prior you won't be able to update or download any state program you will need.  

Level 15
Aug 29, 2024 1:21:35 PM

@citizenone TurboTax does not support tax years prior to 2020 so you cannot purchase a download of those prior year desktop programs from TurboTax.  You may be able find the software on other websites but you will not be able to update the software to the latest release nor download any state program.

New Member
Aug 29, 2024 1:32:56 PM

I have the same problem and need 2019 and 2016. My account shows those versions paid for and in the download, but customer service says although they have my download, it's not available to the public. I was told that all versions of Turbo Tax are a 3-year license agreement, and no access is allowed after three years, but when I asked to see a copy of that agreement for 2019, they could not produce it. I think Turbo Tax might end up getting a glass-action lawsuit. it appears all desk top purchasers have been defrauded by intuit/Turbo tax 

Level 15
Aug 29, 2024 3:02:42 PM

@citizenone Neither 2016 nor 2019 TurboTax software is available for download any more, nor can it be supported or updated.  Sorry.   Those older software programs have been "retired."   You are past the three year mark.

Level 15
Aug 29, 2024 3:19:43 PM

@citizenone   You want the 2019 License?  I opened my Windows 2019 Home & Business and looked around.  Under Help - About I found this.  And actually it says discontinues Oct 15, 2022 which is only 2 1/5 years from the April 15, 2020 file date.

 

Level 15
Aug 29, 2024 3:31:20 PM

@citizenone   And I have 2016 still installed.   I have all the way back to 2013.