New PC

[superman23]

I have used TurboTax for the last 2 years. 
I have a new PC on which I will be installing 2023 TurboTax by download. How can I get the data from my 2022 tax return (which is on my old PC) to carry to my 2023 return on the new PC?

Also, can I move both prior years’ tax returns to the new PC?

[JohnW152]

Yes, you can move this data to your new computer.

You can't move the prior year tax software from your old computer to your new PC.  You'll need to  download the prior year software to your new PC and install it there.

If you purchased your prior year software as downloads, you can sign into Your TurboTax account and download the software to your new PC. 

Then, see the TurboTax Help article How do I move my tax data file to another computer? for guidance on moving your tax data to your new PC.

[superman23]

Your reply seems to differ from the article. The article says I need a drive of sorts to copy the program.

Did I misunderstand? Sorry,I know taxes ; Technology? Not so much.

Thanks.

[VolvoGirl]

A Drive?   You can't copy the program.  Programs need to be installed from the CD or download.  Your tax return is not kept in the program but in a separate data file ending in .tax2022.

You only need the data file ending in .tax2022 to transfer into 2023.

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.

[superman23]

Let me see if I can simplify this for myself. On the old PC I do not see files marked .tax2022 or 2021.

But under "Documents" all my (and family) past tax returns are listed - both "TurboTax 2022 Document" and "Microsoft Edge PDF Document". Same for 2021. On the lefthand side there are 2 folders marked "TurboTax". I had opened one of these and found the above referenced documents. I opened the second folder and the items look the same. I don't know why I have 2 identical (I think) folders, but perhaps that doesn't matter.

I now have a thumb or flash drive (are they the same?). I think you're saying I would insert this into the old PC, and copy one or both of those TurboTax folders to the drive. Will it be apparent how to copy just those folders? Then, when I insert the drive into the new PC will it be apparent how to get the data to my Documents folder? 

Assuming I get through that, will my 2023 return pick up the proforma data from my 2022 return? I have downloaded the 2023 program to the new PC.

Thanks so much for your help and patience.

[CatinaT1]

Were you able to solve your issue? 

If not, please call TurboTax Customer service.  Here is a link:  Turbo Tax Customer Service 

[superman23]

My last question may have been more of a computer question than a TurboTax question. But I do need to know how to proceed to enable me to start the 2023 tax returns. Hoping someone out there can help. Thanks.

[CatinaT1]

Please call TurboTax Customer service.  Here is a link:  Turbo Tax Customer Service 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can copy the .tax files or folders to the usb drive several ways.  You can just drag the folder to the thumb drive.  Or Right click on the Folder or file and choose copy.  Then go to the thumb drive and paste it.  

Then on the new computer copy from the usb thumb drive the same way.  Did you get the 2023 program installed and Activated ok?  When you start a new return it should first find all the .tax2022 files and ask if you want to transfer it.  If it doesn't find the .tax2022 file you need to browse to where you copied it.  

Hope this helps.  

[PatriciaV]

Here is a TurboTax article that provides all the steps for this process: How do I move my tax data file to another computer?