I have bought a new computer and would like to copy TurboTax software for previous years from the old computer to the new computer. Please advise.

[VolvoGirl]

Oh you need the file ending in .tax2019 to transfer into 2020.

[gatlindoris]

I'm buying a laptop from staples.  I gave the tech the 2020disc, but I can't find the package and he needs the number off it too transfer it.  Can you help me?

[DoninGA]

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@gatlindoris wrote:

I'm buying a laptop from staples.  I gave the tech the 2020disc, but I can't find the package and he needs the number off it too transfer it.  Can you help me?

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You will have to contact TurboTax support for this issue.

Use this website to contact TurboTax support during business hours - https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

Or -

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[Pabbo]

I am trying to get going with a new PC. The "Your TurboTax Account" page shows most of my federal and state downloads from 2018 - 2020, but many of the state downloads have no link to download. Clicking on them does nothing. Also, the list of products shows state returns for 2018 but does not show my 2018 federal return product. Meanwhile, I have transferred my tax files to the new PC for 2020 and when I try to open a prior year return it prompts me to download states- I used 2 states in 2020 and already paid for the 2nd, but as soon as I try to down load the second state it wants to charge me $45.  I also did returns for family members who used a 3rd and 4th state. I need to get those products too, and have already paid for them as well. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

[aschuler]

I have the same problem.  I loaded the software for earlier years to new computer and downloaded the free state software.  I downloaded from Turbotax another state (Missouri) and it the program will not allow me to access the file withour repurchasing the Missouri state program.  What can I do?

[MichelleLO]

Please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support and request to speak to a product support agent who can assist with this issue. 

What is the TurboTax phone number?

@aschuler

[papaken]

how do i get a copy of my 2020 turbotax.  I inserted the disc from last year and it is blank

[DoninGA]

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@papaken wrote:

how do i get a copy of my 2020 turbotax.  I inserted the disc from last year and it is blank

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To access your prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

[evlandry1954]

I need instructions to move turbo tax from old to new computer

[DoninGA]

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@evlandry1954 wrote:

I need instructions to move turbo tax from old to new computer

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See this TurboTax support FAQ for moving the tax data from one computer to another - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/move-tax-data-file-another-...

[VolvoGirl]

@evlandry1954  Move the program or your tax returns?

Are you on Windows or Mac?
For Windows. Your tax files end in .tax or starting in 2008, .tax2008, .tax2020, .tax2020, .tax2021 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. 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.

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. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file.

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

[Mike9241]

did you use desktop Turbotax to prepare your returns?

if so moving the data files is not enough because there will be no way to access the return without the app for that year also being installed.

if you downloaded the app, you may still be able to access the download for 2019-2021 and reinstall

contact support if you have issues.  2018 and prior are no longer supported or available from Turbotax.

i op say what they did for earlier years was to use the CD for a preliminary install and then (windows computer) copied the TurboTax program folder. Whether that works in all cases is unknown. 

[debdee]

I had a CD for 2021 but my new computer does not have a CD Drive

[VolvoGirl]

@debdee   Do you need to install 2021 or just the current 2022 program?  Actually it's better to install using the download method.

Use the download method instead of the CD.  It has more advantages over CD.  Then you can also download it another computer. Once you install the CD you can't install it again like if you need to reinstall the program or install on a different computer.

There should be a card in the CD case on on the CD envelope that says how to download it and you will need the 14 or 16 digit code from it to enter.

How to download Turbo Tax instead of using the CD

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/i-bought-the-cd-but-my-computer-doesn-t-have-a-cd-...

And see this.  How to install with a License Code

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-topics/help/activating-turbotax-cd-download-software/00/852971

[usiva]

I have installed year 2021 software in my new computer. My new computer is not reading the pdf or Individual Tax Return.tax2021 from TurboTax directory.