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Level 3
posted Apr 22, 2020 3:35:53 PM

How do I transfer my tax file from online to PC?

Hi, the PC version only allows me to upload my 2018 turbotax file even though I have the 2019 version. Any way I can get around this please?

 

Thanks.

1 28 19946
3 Best answers
Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 3:45:28 PM

Is this what you want?

 

You can move your Online file to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online or needing to reenter your info.

 

To continue in the desktop version see this…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

 

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW).

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 4:44:55 PM

Got ya.  Good that's what I posted.  That should be it.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 7:48:55 PM

Where did you save the .tax2019 file you downloaded from online?  Move it to your Documents.  Make a folder under Documents called Turbo Tax and copy or drag it there.

 

Then when you go to File-Open it will find it.

24 Replies
Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 3:36:48 PM

Edit: I meant from online to PC. Sorry for the confusion.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 3:39:08 PM

Please explain what you are trying to do.

where is your 2018 return?  Are you trying to open it on your PC?  Or transfer it into 2019?

 

Or did you start 2019 online and want to switch to the Desktop program?

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 3:45:28 PM

Is this what you want?

 

You can move your Online file to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online or needing to reenter your info.

 

To continue in the desktop version see this…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

 

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW).

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 4:03:13 PM

Hi, it lets me upload my .tax file but only the 2018 version. I am trying to upload my current 2019 version from online to the PC version.

 

Thanks for the help.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 4:08:12 PM

You say upload but I think you mean download?  

You would download from Online to PC.

You upload from PC to Online.

 

I think you want to do my second post above.  Or need to explain exactly.  You said 2 years and Online & Desktop.  So which year is where and where do you want it to go?

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 4:39:41 PM

I have 2019 desktop, and I did my 2019 taxes on the online version but havnen't payed, so I would like to export from the online version and upload it to desktop.

 

Thanks again.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 4:44:55 PM

Got ya.  Good that's what I posted.  That should be it.

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 7:28:23 PM

Hi, thank you but this does not fix my issue that the Desktop version only allows me to upload 2018 files even though it is a 2019 software. Any reason for this?

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 7:32:41 PM

When you first start a return in 2019 program it will ask if you want to transfer from a 2018 return.  You don't need to do that. Just continue without transferring.  Or since you have the .tax2019 file, go up to File-Open and browse to where you saved it.  

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 7:40:02 PM

Hi, it won't let me upload the 2019 version only 2018. It says on the program that it only supports 2018 tax files even though it is turbotax 2019 version.

 

Thanks again for the help!

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 7:44:26 PM

That is if you are transferring from 2018 into 2019.  SKIP THAT.

 

You just want to OPEN the .tax2019 File you have.  Go up to the menu bar FILE then OPEN.  I can post screen shots.  You're on Windows, right?  Can you post a screen shot of where you are stuck?  Then I can tell you what to click on.

Level 15
Apr 22, 2020 7:48:55 PM

Where did you save the .tax2019 file you downloaded from online?  Move it to your Documents.  Make a folder under Documents called Turbo Tax and copy or drag it there.

 

Then when you go to File-Open it will find it.

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 9:55:13 PM

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I put the turbotax file into the turbotax folder in my documents as you suggested and it still didn't show up. Only the files from 2018 tax return. Here is a screenshot of the files.

 

Thanks.

Level 3
Apr 22, 2020 10:00:44 PM

Also here is the file I am trying to get turbotax to read but can't.

 

Thanks.

Expert Alumni
Apr 23, 2020 12:08:16 PM

From the screen that shows "Good News" click continue, then once you are in the TurboTax program go the upper left and click on File and then Open.  Then search for your file - this should allow you to open the 2019 file you have transferred. 

 

@silverzzz

Level 15
Apr 23, 2020 12:31:36 PM

I made you 2 sceen shots.  I have Home & Business so it has different tabs at the top.  Just ignore those.  You should have a top menu bar start with FILE?

 

On  your screen showing your 2018 returns to Transfer.  Go up to FILE - Open

 

 

THEN on the next screen it might give you a box showing your 2019 return.  If it doesn't show up then click on FIND A TAX FILE   I circled

 

New Member
Apr 25, 2020 1:48:20 PM

I have a similar problem, trying to import a 2019 file already in process to the desktop version and can't get the file into the software.  

Level 15
Apr 25, 2020 1:55:33 PM


@lkm2 wrote:

I have a similar problem, trying to import a 2019 file already in process to the desktop version and can't get the file into the software.  


A 2019 tax data file from the desktop editions cannot be transferred to the 2019 online editions.

The online editions will only accept the prior tax year tax data file for the transfer.

Level 15
Apr 25, 2020 1:56:01 PM

Read this whole thread.  You are NOT Importing or transferring it.  You want to OPEN the .tax2019 File you downloaded.  Go to FILE-OPEN.  

 

But if you have a state return....

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW).

New Member
Apr 25, 2020 1:57:33 PM

I was using 2019 desktop and deleted the three files i was working on.  i recovered from the recycle bin but cannot get the files back into the software.  i don't want to have to rekey all of the data.  

New Member
Apr 25, 2020 2:01:11 PM

Thank you.  Creating the fake file was the key.  I appreciate your response. 

Level 15
Apr 25, 2020 2:01:42 PM


@lkm2 wrote:

I was using 2019 desktop and deleted the three files i was working on.  i recovered from the recycle bin but cannot get the files back into the software.  i don't want to have to rekey all of the data.  


Click on the File menu on the top left of the desktop program screen.  Click on Open Tax ReturnBrowse to the location of the 2019 tax data file you recovered.

Level 15
Apr 25, 2020 2:06:06 PM

So had you reinstalled the program?

Returning Member
Feb 8, 2021 8:05:57 AM

I cannot find my 2019 turbo tax data on my pc to start doing 2020 return?