Hi Kathy.
No it's not an TurboTax error.
Somewhere after Oct 15 (the extension deadline),
you can no longer use the online version for the prior Tax Year.
So if you had started up doing your taxes for TY 2020 in June 2021
(after hopefully you had your needed extension filed on the IRS website or somewhere or whatever),
then you need to download the DESKTOP version for TY 2020.
Actually, I personally like the DESKTOP VERSION one better,
because at any time you can see, how what you fill out and into the program,
will show in the actual 1040 form; will show in the actual schedule c form; the expense form and so on.
There is a "forms" button in the DESKTOP version. I think that's pretty cool.
As you fill in you data, you can click it and you see it in the IRS 1040 form,
which form you will print out once you are done, and then mail it to the IRS.
Anyway, you data was not lost.
The DESKTOP version will pull it in.
I am short in time now, doing my own taxes here, ferociously entering expenses etc,
so I can't write down all the instructions, for which I have to re-think them first.
I advice, since you do have the DESKTOP version and paid for it,
that you call as you open your current ONLINE VERSION OF TURBOTAX
which can only be the TY 2021,
and then go step by step, following the instruction by the TURBOTAX ppl.
Click on the LIVE HELP BUTTON.
I find that the TURBOTAX folks are extremely helpful.
They've never let me down, hence I am a TT fanatic, now using TT for the last 10+ years.
I always dread taxes like any other normal human, and I get anxiety months ahead,
just thinking about it and the insecure outcome of what is owed after I fill in all my data.
Then, once I start it up, I get totally carried away, and notice that I start having fun.
I will turn into a tax-nut for about 2/3 weeks, spending any possible hours on the computer,
and in the old years, among piles of paper work too.
I love that little icon in the right bottom corner with the smiling dude as a 'mental' support,
(even when you don't ask it-it's the idea that you can)
and TT people call you and you can see them, when you click on it.
Or they just call.
I immediately GIVE THEM ACCESS to my screen,
and they can point their arrows on where you should click on your screen.
The TURBOTAX people can't click on anything to open, but they can see your screen, and guide you.
Sometimes, I hang up and locate needed files myself on my C drive,
and figure it out on my own after the call
in which they already indicated how to do it.
After that it's usually easy, or a small challenge,
that is very rewarding once you figure out a few tricks of the trade of these programs and taxes in general.
Let your supposed ADHD be a blessing; it will be no problem switching between 100s of screens in a day for you, and that is what is needed when you do your taxes.
Unless you do Quickbooks on the go and note and organize every single receipt with your phone.
I am playing with the thought to get it this year ....
However, I also like that I am forced to go down all of my data for the prior TY,
in my XCEL sheet downloaded online from the bank for TY personally,
and that I am forced to categorize in all the separate expense categories.
(This Sunday, I discovered that I paid a $25 late fee month ago, and got that back from the bank. I also noted that ATT double charged me for the first month-I am on automatic pay and never noted that before)
In general, it's good to look back at the year and get an oversight about what you did financially,
then later you can ponder the hard financial truth, (after the filing stress is over) which will set you free,
and wonder if you can take a new direction, and better your financial life.
Dear, good luck!
Call those TurboTax ppl and stay focused on the resolve of your issue - talk only about that,
I know there is an answer and you will find it.
Your data is not lost.
All the best.
