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Level 2
posted Mar 18, 2022 8:31:52 AM

How to import previous tax return into TurboTax manually.

I wish to import last years Tax Returns into TurboTax so that when I do this years Tax Returns there is information carried over as needed.

 

How can I manually transcribe last years information into TurboTax?

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11 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 18, 2022 8:53:26 AM

If you used the online product last year, your prior year information will be transferred to this year automatically.

 

You cannot manually enter all of last year's information into this year's TurboTax. As you work through TurboTax, if information from last year is needed, such as carryovers, you will be prompted to enter that information in manually.

 

If you used the desktop version of TurboTax and want to transfer last year's file to this year's online TurboTax, there is an option to do that in the online product, by using the Tax Tools menu option, and then Tools and then choose Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.

 

If you are working on the desktop program, you can transfer in last year's tax file. You will be prompted to do this when you start a new tax return.


 

 

Level 2
Mar 21, 2022 3:56:31 AM

Not quite what I was asking about. Thanks for trying.

Intuit Alumni
Mar 21, 2022 12:20:07 PM

What is it that you are actually trying to get clarity on that was not answered in the previous response?

Level 2
Mar 22, 2022 2:22:05 PM

I was trying to find a way to import into TurboTax 2020 a "outside" source of my actual 2020 tax returns.

 

 

TurboTax does not seem to allow for that.

 

 

Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2022 2:54:03 PM

Clarify for me what you want to do.   Where was your 2020 tax return prepared, do you have a tax file or a PDF file and what version of TurboTax are you trying to prepare and transfer the 2020 information to?   Online (only handles 2021 returns) or Desktop (2020 or 2021)?    Or maybe the links below will help.     The desktop program has different software for each tax year, so it is important that you clarify what tax years you are working on.   

 

How do I transfer last year's return into TurboTax Online?

 

Transfer last year's return to 2021 TurboTax for Windows

 

When transferring a .tax file, what information carries over to my return?

 

How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?

Level 15
Mar 22, 2022 3:16:34 PM

you can't do it.

you must import a TurboTax file when you begin.

 

collect any carryover information that is important from prior years and enter that  while you are doing your 2021 tax return.

Level 2
Mar 22, 2022 7:08:41 PM

That is what I figured unfortunately 

Level 2
Mar 22, 2022 7:13:02 PM

2020 tax return was prepared by accountant.  Trying to transfer it into TurboTax 2020 desktop version.

 

It is in PDF

 

 

Returning Member
Oct 13, 2022 8:18:58 AM

i have desktop 2021 premier.  it didn't transfer my 2020 tax info (or else i neglected to opt for this).  I've now completed by 2021 taxes but the tax history is not included for prior years.   when i click tools there is no option for transferring prior years data?  i could start a NEW return, import data before filling out the info and then repeat and fill out all the 2021 info again but that would be an enormous pain!  not worth the effort.  any ideas? 

Level 2
Oct 13, 2022 2:07:09 PM

I could not find a way either.

 

Perhaps Intuit can help

 

 

Level 15
Oct 13, 2022 2:13:09 PM