How to transfer past 8 years of Turbo Tax to a new computer. Do I need to download each year's program or is there one master program to open all year's records?

[dmertz]

Each year's version of TurboTax is unique.  To be able to open the last 8 years of TurboTax tax files you'll need to install the TurboTax version for each of those years.  However, installing the state versions and the latest updates for versions more than three years old might be problematic.

If the state version cannot be installed, TurboTax will not be able to open a tax file that contains a tax return for that state.  Because of this, for each year I always save a copy of my tax file with the state return removed.

[DoninGA]

Each tax year is a separate program so to open the tax data file for a prior year you would need the TurboTax program for that year.

The tax data files, which have a file extension of .taxyyyy where yyyy is the tax year, eg .tax2021 for tax year 2021.

The tax data files and all saved PDF's are stored, by default, in the TurboTax folder in the Documents directory on the old computer.  These you would have copy from the old computer and store on the new computer.

[SteamTrain]

And also, save PDF files of each year's tax return on the Old computer, before you move to a new computer.

Save each year's PDF file twice.

1)  Once as the bare minimum "File-Only" PDF  copy.  (this just contains the filing forms).

2) And a second time with ALL the forms and backup worksheets.  (This contains all the worksheets that are not actually filed...but shows the gory details of exactly what data you entered or imported into the software.

_____

3)  Then copy the PDFs to a USB flash drive, and transfer them to a folder in yoru new Computer.

4) Then keep the Flash Drive in folder in yoru tax drawer......(maybe a second copy in a flash drive in a safety deposit box at your bank, along with all other documents you don't want to lose in a house fire).

The PDF files will be readable far into the future, even when the tax software for that year is no longer viable.

[VolvoGirl]

Here's my 2¢ worth..........

Are you on Windows or Mac?
For Windows. Your tax files end in .tax or starting in 2008, .tax2008, .tax2020, .tax2021, .tax2022 etc. They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder. You should also have the pdf files of each year. Or search your computer for all files ending in .tax. 

What I would do on the old computer, is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. Also if you haven't done it, I would open each year in the program and save it as a pdf file, go to FILE - SAVE TO PDF so you don't need the program installed to view your return. Copy that folder to a flash drive or best yet is to burn it to a CD or DVD and then you will have a backup of them. Then on the new computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2021 to transfer into 2022 or .tax2022 to transfer into next year. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file. And they only support the last 3 years. If you install an older year you won't be able to update it or download any state programs, so you won't be able to open your return.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...

After you get the program reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return 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). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

If you only have the .tax files and can't install the old programs to open it, you could try the TaxPrinter service to convert a .tax file to pdf at
https://www.taxprinter.com

[whatapieceofgarbagesoftwware]

volvo taking time out of his day to help with no incentive

[Mike9241]

note that the apps are only available for 2020-2022. prior years are not supported so if you transfer the .tax20xx prior to 2020 there will be no app available to open them.