nable to upload my 2020 pdf return

[briandsmith]

This year, I want to use the TT online feature that enables me to get expert help. When I start to work the process one of the first things I am asked to do is upload a pdf copy of my 2020 return. When I do so, it will not upload. I get a message stating that the taxayer name is incomplete. I feel that there is a need to link to last year's because there will be some carried forward losses. I have been in phone and chat contact but they are not getting there! A young man this morning recommended I got a copy of my last years transcript from the IRS. I got lost in their ID process! When your people ask me to share my screen by selecting Shift + enter, I get a screen that asks me to share the code but there is never any code! A number of your people have given up and tried to connect me to a tax expert. On this morning's occasion, the so called expert joined the chat and the chat immediately ended! I dont think I need a tax expert tto get over this hurdle, I do probably need a IT expert. I am so frustrated - can anyone help???

[DoninGA]

If you used one of the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions for tax year 2020 then you need to transfer the tax data file to the 2021 online edition.  The tax data file has a file extension of .tax2020 and is stored by default in the Documents directory and in the TurboTax folder.

You cannot transfer a PDF of the 2020 return to the 2021 online editions if you used the TurboTax desktop editions for tax year 2020.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for transferring a 2020 tax return to a 2021 tax return using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

[briandsmith]

Thank you for this info. The link you sent was partially helpful but I could not open the link to "if you did your taxes using the cd version"

As I go through the process do I just skip the "upload pdf and will I get the opportunity to use the .tax file later on?

[DoninGA]

---

@briandsmith wrote:

Thank you for this info. The link you sent was partially helpful but I could not open the link to "if you did your taxes using the cd version"

As I go through the process do I just skip the "upload pdf and will I get the opportunity to use the .tax file later on?

---

You need to transfer the 2020 tax data when you start the 2021, not at a later time after having entered tax data on the 2021 return.

Here is the section from the FAQ if the CD/Download editions were used -

If you used the TurboTax CD/Download software last year

You can transfer last year's tax data file (with a filename extension .tax2020) if you're preparing your 2021 return online in TurboTax Live Basic, TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Deluxe, TurboTax Premier, TurboTax Live Premier, TurboTax Self-Employed, or TurboTax Live Self-Employed. (Free Edition, with or without MAX, doesn't support transferring last year's .tax file.)

• You won't be able to transfer a PDF, it must be a tax data file with a filename extension .tax2020
• Remove any password protection from the data file before transferring

Note: If you already started your 2021 return in TurboTax Online, transferring will clear any info you have already entered. Please keep in mind, a .tax file from a previous year won't transfer if the file is password protected.

Here's how to transfer:

You have to use TurboTax Online on your computer to do this transfer (it won't work from a mobile device/mobile web, or in the mobile app).

1. Sign in to TurboTax Online and start a new return, or open or continue a return you already started
2. After the screen has loaded, select the Tax Tools drop-down menu in the left menu and then select Tools
3. In the pop-up window, select the Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer link. (If you don’t see this option, you may need to clear and start over.)

Follow the instructions to finish transferring your file.

[briandsmith]

Thank you. I assume this is what I need if I decide to use the online version.

Another question. If I use the cd version and then decide to go online, will I be able to transfer my work?

[DoninGA]

---

@briandsmith wrote:

Thank you. I assume this is what I need if I decide to use the online version.

Another question. If I use the cd version and then decide to go online, will I be able to transfer my work?

---

No, you cannot transfer the 2021 tax data file from the desktop edition to the 2021 TurboTax online edition.  

[briandsmith]

Thanks again. I have had to purchase the cd version for 2021 because I do returns for other family members. Therefore I can work on my own return. However, since I sold a rental property I would feel better if an expert lookd it over. What is the best way to go ie go online now or look for help when I have done my own return? Thanks for your patience!

[DoninGA]

---

@briandsmith wrote:
Thanks again. I have had to purchase the cd version for 2021 because I do returns for other family members. Therefore I can work on my own return. However, since I sold a rental property I would feel better if an expert lookd it over. What is the best way to go ie go online now or look for help when I have done my own return? Thanks for your patience!

---

Looks like you have just two options -

One, is to do your tax return with the TurboTax online editions and select the Live Premier online edition, since you are reporting a rental property sale, so you can get assistance and review from a tax expert.

Two, is to seek out a local tax professional to assist you with the completion of your tax return with the rental sale.