How to create a ".tax" file for import

[Tax_Neophyte]

How does one create a ".tax" file for importing a tax return that has already been filed manually.  I am reading that this type of file can be imported into Turbotax but don't know how to create it.  I have the tax transcript from the IRS as well, as a completed1040 PDF file.

Thanks for any help!

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

I assume you mean a .tax file of your tax return?  You can only create a .tax file by using the Turbo Tax program.  How did you file manually?   Why do you think you need to import a .tax file into it?  If you used Turbo Tax it saves your return as a .tax2020 file.   

Do you want to open your return in the Home & Business program?  Not unless you already have the .tax2020 file downloaded from online or already done in the program.  Otherwise to make a return you need to start a new tax return and enter everything from scratch.  

And you don't import the .tax file.  You can Transfer the prior year .tax file into the next year's return.  Like transfer .tax2019 into 2020 and then .tax2020 into 2021 next year.

So what are you trying to do?

[Tax_Neophyte]

Thank you!

I am trying to help a family member file some back returns.  They have always manually filed (yes, hand written)!  So, I am starting from scratch.  I have their last filed (2013) year's tax transcript from the IRS.  I was planning on getting that entered as a starting point.  We are working on 2014 on....   

Here is where I saw that I could import from a .tax file:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

Thanks again! 

[VolvoGirl]

Yikes.  Then you would need to buy each year Desktop program.   Or do you already have all the years?  But they only sell the last 3 years.  Even if you bought old programs like on EBay you wouldn't be able to update it or download any state programs you need.  

If you can't do 2014-2017 by hand you should go to a local tax place or accountant.  And you can only get refunds for 3 years.  

You can buy the last 3 years of Turbo Tax here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

To do them by hand you get the blank forms from the IRS.   Do you know where to find them? I have some links for each year. you can find prior year IRS forms here,

https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/priorFormPublication.html;jsessionid=rkgZR0fuVc00xFDahvT4qyax... 

[Tax_Neophyte]

Yes, fun times over here!  Yes, I have all those years of the Turbotax program on my computer.  I just entered it all manually into Turbotax.  Worked great but am having an issue with line 15a and 15b on their IRA.  It doesn't want to accept the gross dist. amount on line 15a and the taxable amount on 15b.  Hmmm.... need to investigate what type of IRA this is. 

No way am I doing all these years manually.  Turbotax all the way!! 🙂 

[VolvoGirl]

Well after you did the first year then you can transfer that into the next year and so on and so on.   You probably know that.   

If the gross amount of IRA or pension  is the same as the taxable amount it doesn't enter the gross amount on the "a" line.

[Tax_Neophyte]

Yes, I know about transferring the previous years in Turbotax. 🙂 

The gross amount and the taxable amount is different on the IRA.  I'm having trouble getting the correct numbers to show up on lines 15a and 15b.  I don't have the 1099-R form, only the 1040 form. 

[VolvoGirl]

Gee you really need the actual 1099R forms.  There are other things on it you need.   But you can switch to Forms Mode and enter directly on the 1040 if you are trying to match the last 1040 that was filed.

[Tax_Neophyte]

How do you switch to forms mode?  Is it just Ctrl-2 (under View/Forms)?  It won't let me type directly on the form. Of course it won't! HA!

[VolvoGirl]

Yes, or you just click on Forms in the upper right (for Windows).   This is what I had to do in 2019......

Open the 1040.  Then you have to drill down to the source page to make the overrides on.    Double click on the field like for 15a.  That will open the 1040 worksheet.  Then double click on 15a again and that should open a Add 1099R box.   Type in a name like Vanguard and click on Add Form.  THEN..... it will open a 1099R form and you can enter the amounts directly in boxes 1 for gross and 2a for taxable amount.