Error when uploading TurboTax desktop file to online

[adambadam]

I am trying to upload my Turbo Tax desktop 2018 file to do my taxes for 2019 via Turbo Tax online but I keep getting an error when I try to upload

The selected file is NOT a previous year tax file or it is corrupted. Choose a different file and try again.

I know the file is not corrupt as I can still go into the desktop software and view everything fine. Any tricks to make this work?

[AkinaLO]

Please follow the instructions below to transfer your file from last year. There's two things to keep in mind when transferring your file, 

• You won't be able to transfer a PDF, it must be a tax data file with a filename extension .tax2018.
• Remove any password protection from the data file before transferring.

How do I transfer last year's return into TurboTax Online?

[doucepoire]

Hello - TT Online 2019 asks specifically for a PDF file however. I uploaded the 2018 1040 PDF file which was generated by TT Desktop 2018 itself, and it says "Upload error" with no other explanation.

When I try to contact TT Help, it dead ends because I haven't started my return. Talk about a horrible user experience... What am I doing wrong here? I am uploading TT's own generated 1040 file. 

[DMarkM1]

Use this link for transfer instructions from TurboTax desktop to an Online version.  Note:  you cannot transfer a PDF file in this direction.  You will need to transfer the .2018tax file.  If you need assistance with this process use this link to get the best representative to help with your situation. 

[Critter]

Choose the option to enter things yourself ... do NOT use the PDF option ...

2018 Downloaded to 2019 Online

Last year's tax data file (.tax files) can be transferred to Online Deluxe and higher-tier versions.

1. Sign in to TurboTax Online, if you haven't already done so.
2. Select Tools on the menu bar lower left on the screen.
3. In the pop-up window, select Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.
4. Read the warning and then click Continue (or Cancel to abort the transfer).
5. Browseto where you saved your .tax2018 file and select it.
6. ClickTransfer Return and wait for your file to finish uploading.
7. When you see Transfer Complete, click Continue to start working on your return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online 

[doucepoire]

Hi there - Thank you. However, the instructions say:

"After the screen has loaded, select the Tax Tools drop-down menu in the left menu and then select Tools."

And there is no "Tax Tools" dropdown menu:

Please advise. Thank you!

[Critter]

It will once you are in the program ... click on "I'll type myself"  ... get thru the initial screens until you see the menu. 

[doucepoire]

Thank you @Critter . Didn't think to enter the info manually (isn't the entire point of importing last year's return so that you don't have to enter information manually?).  It feel completely backwards. And why is the PDF option there which doesn't work? 

[Critter]

This is the method if you want to switch to the online program from the downloaded one ... something most will never do once they have used the superior and cheaper downloaded one. 

[phocvong68]

how to upload my tax return 2018

[Critter]

@phocvong68 

What are you trying to do and with what tax year/programs ?

[sb81]

Seeing the same thing... poor user experience indeed and a bit worrisome considering how much less complicated this UI flow should be compared to how complicated taxes can be, and the UI flow is poorly done.

[Shipdriver]

Im having the same problem. The support keeps sending me instructions on how to upload. AAAAGGH I know how but it is not working. The same file uploaded fine to desktop.

[MichelleLO]

You are commenting on an older thread that may contain outdated information. So that we can better assist you, please provide specific details about the issue you are experiencing. Are you trying to transfer a prior year's return into TurboTax Online?

@Shipdriver

[Shipdriver]

I am having a very tough and stressful time with TT this. IMO it is because there is not a technical support dept. People that know nothing about tax prep, nothing about customer service but know a lot about technical issues.

1. After buying the Desktop Premier I was having a tough time getting help. I kept being told "if it was the online I could help". A nice lady switched me back to online. 

2. The online refuses to allow me to upload my .tax file because you can't do that to a product that has been registered and paid for. That is crazy stupid and causing me all the problems. 

3. Decided to go back to desktop (which happily took last years .tax file).  A customer service rep had me gibe her a code, she was able to see the desktop version. She handed me off to a Tax Expert who couldn't see that screen (didn't know how to use a code).

4. I was told to use a new email and start a new account (will cause billing/credit issues but will deal with that later. I could not upload the perfectly fine, just generated .tax file (that uploaded in desktop NP). Corruption, would year, etc. I had two reps that couldn't get the .tax file uploaded. I know how to do it just get the error.

So....I have spent countless hours just on tech. I need Expert help and it didn't work with just a phone call. I will try and talk to Tax Expert to see how much work it would be to manually enter last years taxes. I have depreciation on a rental and a bunch of investments. 

This has been the most time consuming and stressful use of TT yet. Any suggestions are welcome. I'm getting ready to bail and go to HR Block.