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.

[KathrynG3]

The CD can be installed on up to five devices. Be sure to run as Administrator.

For more installation resources, see:

Administrator rights in Windows 7, 8, and 10

Troubleshoot installation and running TurboTax for Windows

Troubleshooting problems with Windows Installer and the Microsoft .NET Framework

Running the Windows System File Checker

For support with updating:

Troubleshoot TurboTax for Mac updating issues

Troubleshoot TurboTax for Windows updating issues

Otherwise, You may need to call in for more support at (800) 446 - 8848. For more information about ways to contact TurboTax, see: What is the TurboTax phone number?

[cleaningpaintingoddjobs]

I am reading through the issues others may have. I am having a similar issue.  I have cds for 2015-2020 and I started my 2020 on my new computer. I want to use 2019 for the info for any deprecation, vehicles etc. It can't be open so I've downloaded 2019 on my new computer too. That 2019.tax file can not be opened. I have to I remove 2020. (Now I am reinstalling it and I hope I am not loosing my info I have done for 2020 so far.)  It is a big deal and a lot of hassle to transfer one computer to another computer?

My question. How do use my tax return for 2019 to help me with 2020 tax while nothing isn't compatible?

[VolvoGirl]

You don't need to install the 2019 program and open the  2019 return.  You just need to copy the .tax2019 tax file over to the new computer.  Do you still have the old computer?  Can you open 2019 on it?  

What I would do is just copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. 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 .tax2019 to transfer into 2020.

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...

Sorry if you already started 2020 you can't transfer 2019 into it.  You can only transfer into a new return before you start.  To transfer 2019 into 2020  you need to start a new blank 2020 return.  Start the 2020 program and go up to FILE-NEW.  The first thing it should do it look for any .tax2019 file on your computer.  If it doesn't find where you put it you can browse to where it is.  I made a couple screen shots on this one,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-getting-data-from-2019-return-to-upload-into-2... 

How to Transfer into the Windows Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/transfer-last-year-s-return-to-turbotax-fo...

Why did you have to remove 2020?  Each year is separate.  You can have more than 1  year installed at the same time.    Reinstalling the program should not affect your data.  Your return is in a separate data file ending in .tax2020.  Did you save it?   Oh are you on Windows or Mac?  

[VolvoGirl]

Oh just though of something else.  To open a 2019 return (or any year)

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

[trungsi]

I have saved my taxes for prior years on a thumb drive. I am now trying to transfer a prior year taxes to a new computer. The program is telling my that my federal is on my new computer but I must purchase the state. What's going on?

[yathongchu1957]

my old computer hard disk broken. how can i re-install my turbotax . 

[DoninGA]

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@yathongchu1957 wrote:

my old computer hard disk broken. how can i re-install my turbotax . 

---

If you are re-installing the software then you must have either a CD or a Download to install the TurboTax software.

If you purchased the software from TurboTax as a download then sign onto your download account using the exact same User ID used to purchase the software - https://shopping.turbotax.intuit.com/unified/downloads?route=myaccounts

[tubeygw]

My new computer does not have an optical drive.  All of my TurboTax software has been installed from a CD (I have a drawer full of them now).  Since I've registered each year's CD with you I'm asking if I can download that year's application since I've already in essence paid for it.  Or, would I have to pay for the download on top of the CD?

Thanks,

Gary Tubesing

[Critter-3]

Contact TurboTax support and speak directly with a TurboTax support agent concerning this situation.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for a contact link and hours of operation -https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

[SA4540]

I purchased a new computer and want to install last years TurboTax software on it, I have the CD, however, my new laptop does not have a CD drive.  How do I get the 2020 software downloaded on my new computer

[VolvoGirl]

How to download Turbo Tax if you can't use the CD

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

But There is a problem if you first installed the CD.  It doesn't connect you to an account you can find.  You have to call in and ask for the download and a new License Code.  Hopefully you get a customer service person who know about it.

Contact Customer Service
5am-5pm Pacific Time
Monday-Friday
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[adscudieri]

I’m trying to install a previously purchased and use copy of TurboTax Deluxe 2020m onto a new PC. I have a valid license code, but it won’t let me initiate a download.

Note that the copy on my old PC was loaded using a CD disc, but my new PC does not have a disc drive. So I need to download it. PLEASE HELP!

[VolvoGirl]

There is a problem if you first installed the CD.  It doesn't connect you to an account you can find.  You have to call in and ask for the download and a new License Code.  Hopefully you get a customer service person who know about it.

Contact Customer Service
5am-5pm Pacific Time
Monday-Friday
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[whateverlola]

I bought Turbotax 2020 premier, but it won't work on my windows 7, do I have to buy a new computer and when I do will the old files transfer and work?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes.  Or find someone with Windows 8 or higher you can use.  Yes you only need to have the .tax2020 file to transfer into 2021.  So copy that file to a flash drive to move it.   Then copy it to the other new computer before you transfer it.