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New Member
posted Oct 10, 2021 8:47:09 AM

How can I get Turbotax to recognize my last year return if it was not done online, but with a turbotax downloaded program?

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3 Replies
Level 15
Oct 10, 2021 8:57:52 AM

2019 Downloaded to 2020 Online

Last year's tax data file (.tax files) can be transferred to Online Deluxe and higher-tier versions.

  1. Sign in to TurboTax Online, if you haven't already done so.
  2. Select Tools on the menu bar lower left on the screen.
  3. In the pop-up window, select Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.
  4. Read the warning and then click Continue (or Cancel to abort the transfer).
  5. Browse to where you saved your .tax2019  file and select it.
  6. Click Transfer Return and wait for your file to finish uploading.
  7. When you see Transfer Complete, click Continue to start working on your return.

Level 15
Oct 10, 2021 8:59:43 AM

You can transfer from the prior year on your computer into the Online version. You will need to have the .tax2019 file on your computer. If you used the Desktop program last year here’s How to transfer into the Online version,

UPDATE new link.....

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-cd-download-to-turbotax-online/00/859756 


If you already started an online return you will have to clear it and start over to transfer. How to clear and start over
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-online/00/26444


If you used the Desktop program before you may notice several differences and not like the online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. You can only do 1 return. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2020 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done. In case you need to amend in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

Level 15
Oct 10, 2021 9:05:19 AM

Sorry that link doesn't work anymore.  Here's the new one.  It says from 2018 in it but   it should be 2019.  You need to have the file ending in .tax2019 on your computer.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-cd-download-to-turbotax-online/00/859756