I have been using Turbotax desktop version for the last 15 years. Last year, I had it installed on a Mac which I do not have. I don't have the .tax file but do have the PDF file. When I try to use the PDF, Turbotax says it is too large. My return is very simple. I had nearly 60 pages of stock sales, hence the file was large. Will Intuit have the .tax2018 file?
No, TurboTax does not have the .Tax file. It is not saved anywhere but on your computer when you are using the Desktop program. Try saving a copy of the pdf without the stock transaction pages and using that to import.
I am trying to use my 2020 online PDF file to import to desktop version of turbotax this year. It won't import. it keeps saying its "too large". No error code. i did a "save as" and renamed it but that didn't help. Painful..
@dhillaw57 Please ensure your PDF is a 1040 (not 1040-SR) generated through TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxACT software. Also, keep in mind there are some cases in which TurboTax won't be able to read the PDF. For additional information and step-by-step instructions on transferring last year's PDF, please see the following Help Article: Can I transfer last year's PDF into the 2021 TurboTax for ...
Will that be the long term issue? If i choose to use 1040 SR then I won't be able to import next year?
Transferring from the TT program to the next year's TT program must be done with the .taxfile and NOT the PDF. What little could transfer from the PDF would be just what is in the MY INFO section which you can enter yourself in a couple of minutes. ALWAYS save a copy of the .taxfile & PDF of the filed return to a secure location and back it up on a removable storage device like a thumb drive.
you need to upload the *tax2020 file the desktop may be best because then you'll know where it is
then you start TurboTax for 2021. you must select start a new return
a blank list will likely show up
then you need to browse to your desktop and select that file and click on open
that's it the data should transfer.
you can then move the 2020 file to wherever you want on your computer
note that the transfer must be done before you start 2021. if you have already started that year transfer is not possible. that leaves you with the option of either manually entering an need 2020 tax info or deleting 2021 and starting over