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Returning Member
posted Apr 24, 2023 6:05:59 PM

I'm getting a new computer and want to move my Turbotax software to the new machine. How do I do that?

Migrating software to new computer

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3 Replies
Level 15
Apr 24, 2023 7:15:20 PM

My screen indicates you're using the online version of TurboTax. If this is so, then there is no software on your computer to deal with, when it comes to TurboTax. Simply log into your online account on the new computer, and you're there.

 

Level 15
Apr 24, 2023 7:30:17 PM

This is mainly for Windows.  You only need the file ending in .tax2021 to transfer into 2022.

 

Your tax files end in .tax or .tax2017, .tax2018 or .tax2019 or .tax2020 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 or print your return in the future like to get a mortgage or loan, etc.

 

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.

 

The programs need to be installed from the CD or download them again.  You don't need to install them unless you need to amend or open a return.  They only support the last 3 years so you might not be able to update older years or download any state programs you need.

 

After you get the program installed 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 Tax Return).

 

Then go to FILE -Open and find 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-computer/00/26128

 

  1. 4If you are moving to a Mac from Windows or to Windows from Mac you will need to install the right program.  If you have the CD it has both windows and Mac programs on it.  If you downloaded the program you might need to call in and ask for the other download.  Unless you have both downloads in your account already.

Returning Member
Apr 24, 2023 7:34:14 PM

Thanks for the suggestion

 

I have a license for TurboTax deluxe, thus your "screen indicates" is incorrect. I appreciate your effort.