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Level 2
posted Oct 10, 2024 11:24:02 AM

How can i upload data of 2023 outside PDF return into turbotax? Will turbo tax automatically read and upload all information from a Non-Turbotax PDF returns?

I have 2023 returns in form of PDF from my CPA from previous year, it has NOLs and carry forward expenses + losses from all sorts, such as business and 1099s from brokerages. It will be cumbersome to fill all that data, does TurboTax online or desktop pick all such data from a PDF file and fill it in required blocks automatically? Last time i tried doing this was in 2021, and i was told that TurboTax can uplift data if it's in the format of .Tax File. (Turbotax was not able to pull data from a PDF file), I do not have .Tax File, it's only PDF. Can some one help me with this?

0 9 15068
9 Replies
Level 15
Oct 10, 2024 11:26:33 AM

Level 15
Oct 10, 2024 11:29:45 AM

Sorry, I wouldn't bother trying to transfer from a pdf. It only transfers very basic info like your name and address and AGI.   Are you wanting to fill out a 2023 return from a 2022 pdf or a 2023 pdf?  You can only transfer from 2022.  You can not import a 2023 return into 2023.   Or are you asking about transferring into next year's 2024 return?  Anyway you can not import all the info from a pdf file.  

Level 2
Oct 14, 2024 5:04:38 AM

I am trying to figure out, if I should do my 2024 taxes with TurboTax or not. If I can not upload my 2023 returns and associated data from my pdf file into TurboTax, then it’s gonna be a lot of work I guess to correctly fill in the complex data (not just basic data) from my 2023 returns. I faced same situation in 2021-22. N I had to dump TurboTax that year too, because the tax preparer here (full service package), asked for a .tax file n I don’t have it. It was a deal breaker. So I guess same thing still applies. Hence TurboTax may not be best option for me.

Level 9
Oct 14, 2024 6:41:05 AM

That is correct.  Without a tax file, you would need to type in everything manually.

 

Level 2
Nov 21, 2024 5:07:51 AM

I am having same problem--TT says I have to use PDF file for import--then it won't take it.

 

Why can't upload from prior year return as I always have?

Level 2
Nov 21, 2024 5:08:20 AM

why do they keep messing with a good thing--

Returning Member
Apr 4, 2025 10:55:44 AM

Having the same problem of many - 2023 tax file is gone, but I do at least have the PDF, though that will not import anything.  I have resigned myself to having to manually enter it all - but my Fed return along is over 200 pages with tons of forms.  How would I go about getting all those forms into TurboTax so that I can actually type all the info in???

Expert Alumni
Apr 7, 2025 7:36:57 PM

Most of the pages in your PDF are worksheets and not part of your return.  Form 1040, Schedule A, Schedule C, Schedule E are the main forms.  If you go through the interview for the topics you know apply to you in each section (Income/Deductions & Credits), it may not be as bad as you're thinking.

 

Have you thoroughly searched your computer for a .tax2023 file?  There are usually back-ups created, in the TurboTax > Documents folder.

 

@JM   

Returning Member
Apr 8, 2025 4:16:56 AM

Yes, I made a thorough search - not just of my own personal computer where TT is loaded, but also of our entire network under the rule of just-in-case.  I too was convinced it was there "somewhere" (after all, 20 years worth are all still there, only 2023 is missing!).  After 3 days and nothing, I then hired the tech management company that runs our network to find it.  Paid them a fair amount and "nothing."  Difficult to understand, but it is what it is.