How to access previous tax return on Turbotax online account?

[VAer]

Attached: It is January, right after signing Turbotax account, it brings me to 2022 tax return information.

I did not find a way to access previous year tax return. I am planning to switch to desktop software this year, but would like to download 2021 data first.

Thanks.

[DoninGA]

To access your prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Start the 2022 online tax return by entering some personal information then click on Tax Home on the left side of the screen.

On the Tax Home webpage -

Scroll down to the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download .tax file

[VAer]

@DoninGA Of course I use the same userID to sign in. From the screenshot, there is no Your tax returns & documents

The system brings me straight to 2022 tax questions.

[SteamTrain]

@VAer 

Its ridiculous BUT.....YOU HAVE TO go thru a number of pages starting the 2022 Q&A in the main screen before the Tax Home selection shows up on the left side.  (one person indicated about 12 pages of questions)

It's been the same thing for the past couple years....dumb, but it is what it is.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you have to start entering some 2022 info for the menus on the left side to open up.  I had to go though about 12 screens to get it.  Keep continuing.......

[VAer]

Ok, thanks.

[VAer]

@VolvoGirl 

When I downloaded tax file, and its default file name is TurboTaxReturn.tax2021

Do I need to change file extension ? Does software recognize the file extension of tax2021 ?

I just open TurboTaxReturn.tax2021 from desktop software, then it will bring over carryover loss and some other information?

Thanks.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes that is right  .tax2021 file.  That is your 2021 tax data file you need to transfer into 2022  or to open in the 2021 desktop program.  You should also download the pdf file from online.    

What software do you  have?  Do you want to transfer into 2022 Desktop program?  Start a brand new 2022 return and it should find the 2021 tax file on your computer.  It will look in your Documents - Turbo Tax  folder or  you  can browse to where you saved it.  

[VAer]

@VolvoGirl 

I have not bought the software yet, and some tax forms are not available. I am ready to e-file in late February, but just asking some questions now.

I don't have 2021 software, I use website for previous years. Now I am planning to use 2022 software, how can I transfer downloaded 2021 tax return data into 2022 software?

[VolvoGirl]

You are fine.  You have the .tax2021 file.  When you install the Desktop program and start a brand new 2022 return it will first look for the .tax2021 file on your computer and ask if you want to transfer it.  If it doesn't find it you can browse to where you saved it.  That's all to do.  You don't need to have the 2021 software, just the .tax2021 file.   The tax file should be in your Documents then in a TurboTax subfolder. 

You can buy and install the program now and get started.   You don't have to wait for the forms to be available.  There will be many updates to come.   

Here's an old screenshot I saved on transferring

[SteamTrain]

All typing in at the same time...great picture....I'm out now.

[VAer]

@VolvoGirl 

"There will be many updates to come.  "

If there are many updates, why I should buy now instead of buying updated software at a later time?

So when you install the software, do you need to uninstall it in the future? Why you still keep 2019 software installed in your computer?

Thanks.

[VolvoGirl]

You can uninstall the programs.  I just never have.  I have lots of room on my computer.  That was a screenshot I made years ago.  I have been answering in this forum for over 10 years.  I have lots of screenshots saved to answer questions.  

Regarding updates.  Some people want to get started right away or file early.  I  installed my 2022 program today.  They put out updates on Thursdays.  

[VAer]

@VolvoGirl  

If you buy early, can the software be updated at a later time? Will window detect outdated software? Why you don't wait till updated software? Is it better to use updated software?

I plan to buy software when I am ready to file. Not sure what the benefit is for buying software early.

By the way, what if you buy software then PC breaks down before finishing tax return? How to get a copy of previously bought software?

What if you change a PC? Can you transfer the software?

Thanks.

[VolvoGirl]

You can install the program on 5 computers you own.  It is better to download the program.  If you buy the CD you can either install it from the CD or use the download method instead.  The download is better.  

Yes you can update later.  The updates come out every Thursday.  There are automatically applied or you can set it to just update when you want or not at all.  Before you file you will have to update the program.   

Your tax return is saved in a separate data file from the program.  It is in a file ending in .tax2022 and will be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder.  So be sure to save often and make backups.