New to TurboTax. pdf of PY return not being accepted for upload. Can I input the whole PY return and have it there for comparison without paying to file it again?

[penny48]

PY return was prepared in ProSystem fx.  Rather complex, so I want it there for comparison purposes as I start work on 2022.

[xmasbaby0]

No you cannot "upload" an entire tax file that was prepared using some other software.   If you have a pdf of the return you might be able to transfer just some of your personal information, but not the whole return with all of its data.  Sorry.  

[Mike9241]

so little is imported and then you have to check if its correct, you might as well start from scratch. 

[VolvoGirl]

The only way would be to buy the 2021 Desktop program and recreate the 2021 return from scratch.  You can use the Forms mode to enter from the actual 1040.  Then when it matches each line that was filed you can use the .tax2021 file to transfer into 2022.   Might be good practice to learn Turbo Tax.  By the way, the Online versions and the Desktop CD/Download program work a little differently and have different features.  

You can buy the prior year Desktop program here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products
You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

[penny48]

Thank you.  So if I buy the desktop version for 2021 to input a tax return that I don't actually need to file, doesn't it make the most sense to continue with desktop?  So the return will roll and so I will have some understanding of the various input screens?

[penny48]

Thank you; I wasn't aware of that.  Somehow, I thought I would get a two-year comparison for every form, and the PY amounts showing up for each individual item (eg each item of interest or dividend), as I'm used to after many years of using ProSystem fx.  Sounds like you don't have the same depth here.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes if you transfer from the prior year the 2021 column will be filled in to compare.  But the pdf file only transfers your basic personal info like name, address, ssn and AGI.  You need to transfer from an actual Turbo Tax tax data file ending in .tax2021.  You can transfer from the Desktop program to the Online version and from Online to Desktop.  

Here's some info on Online vs Desktop 

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return. You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income. There are 4 Online versions. And you can add LIVE service or Full Service for expert help. In Online the fees are to prepare the federal and state returns (State is a separate charge) whether you efile or print and mail. Efiling is free and included.

You can see the prices and start an Online return here, 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ 

The CD/Download Desktop you buy and install the program, which can do unlimited returns. The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else. And not saved at Turbo Tax. So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups. You get 5 federal efile for free. In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state). Each state return including the first one is $20 early or $25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free. The Desktop programs do not have the expert help that is available to add to Online versions.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version. You can do more than 1 return. You can see and enter into the actual forms. It has a What-If worksheet. And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms. You just get more help in the higher versions. In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income. Like Premier for investments.

And the Desktop program is always available even after the year ends. Which is good if you ever need to amend your return after online website is closed or get audited and need your tax records.

You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[xmasbaby0]

Here is a summary of the differences between desktop and online.  Based on the forms you have, you need Deluxe or Premier in the desktop version, and Premier in the online version.

Desktop	Online
Your file is on your computer only.  You are responsible for backup and security.	Your file is in the cloud.  You can work on your tax return from any web-connected computer, and Turbotax handles backups and security.
You can prepare an unlimited number of returns from one installed program, and e-file the first 5.	Each tax return requires a separate online account with a different user name and password, and each online account will require a separate filing fee.
Deluxe, Premier and Home&Business version all contain the same forms.  More expensive versions contain extra help and support for complex situations.  You can prepare advanced returns with the cheaper Deluxe version if you don't need the extra support.	You must upgrade to the more expensive Premier or Self-Employed version if you have a tax situation that requires those features.
Can directly view and edit all forms and worksheets in Forms mode.  (Note that direct entry on forms may void the accuracy guarantee and/or block e-filing.)	Can't view any forms until after paying the fee, can't directly edit forms, must use interview mode.
Requires a relatively up to date operating system.	Works with almost any browser, even on older Macs and PCs.
Free telephone support includes help using the program as well as some basic tax advice.	Free telephone support only includes help using the program.  For tax advice, online users must upgrade to the Turbotax Live version.
Live expert assistance not available	Expert assistance (Live Assistance or Live Full Service) is available at an extra cost
No free version (you must pay for the software up front)	Simple returns may be free to file.
Discounts may be available from reliable third party sellers (Amazon, Costco, others)	Must purchase directly from Turbotax, prices subject to change at any time.
Must purchase the software up front but there is a 60 day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied	Only pay when you are satisfied with your return and ready to file, no refunds after that.