When trying to import last years tax file it states mine is too big. What is the work around other than manual entry?

[dr3412]

I have the same problem. I've been using turbotax desktop for many years and now it won't let me transfer my 2020 return. I have both the 20020 tax file and a pdf but it won't  transfer. The prior year data transfer is one of the reasons I use turbotax. I don't want to carve out the 2 state returns I do to reduce the file size. Very frustrating!  

[MichelleLO]

I'd like to clarify which issue you are experiencing from this thread. Can you please provide the specific error message you are receiving when attempting to transfer your 2020 .tax file?

@dr3412

[dr3412]

In the pop up window it says: The import was unsuccessful. The file selected is to large. 

I’ve never had a problem before. My 2020 return is very large but not that different from prior years. I’m using the Mac desktop Investments and Rental Property version. 

[dr3412]

Also. I am not sure how to tell if it is a .tax file. It’s the pdf file that is the same as the one I printed. I believe that is the only option the software gave to me when I saved to my Mac last year. The file is named 2020 Fed PA NY returns. 

[VolvoGirl]

There have been other posts saying the transfer file is too big.  I thinks that's only from using the pdf file.  You really need to transfer from the file ending in .tax2020.  I don't know Mac but I think it doesn't always show you the file extension.  @macuser_22 

Try starting a new return and see if it finds any 2020 files to transfer from.

@MichelleLO here's another one

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/2020-file-too-large-to-transfer-into-2021-turbo-t...

[dr3412]

Thanks. But I cannot locate the .tax2020 file on my Mac. Is there an easy way to find or recreate it from the 2020 tax file? The only option it gives me is to print the return again in the Easy Step. 
When I try to Save the 2020 return it simply re-saves to the same file and I don’t get a Save As option. 

[VolvoGirl]

I think Mac says Duplicate  instead of Save as.  Or something similar.   Try to open your 2020 return in the 2020 program.  Then save it with a different name so you can find it later.  Then start a new 2021 and try to transfer from the new name.

How to find tax files on Mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac/00/26206

[macuser_22]

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@VolvoGirl wrote:

There have been other posts saying the transfer file is too big.  I thinks that's only from using the pdf file.  You really need to transfer from the file ending in .tax2020.  I don't know Mac but I think it doesn't always show you the file extension.  @macuser_22 

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All .tax2020 data files are the same whether created by Windows, Mac or online - they are interchangeable.

[VolvoGirl]

@macuser_22  I wanted to know how to show see the file extension in Mac.  Or how to find the files.  Where does Mac save them?

[dr3412]

Thank you so much! It worked!

you saved me countless hours and many mistakes.

[dhillaw57]

I have Turbo Tax Deluxe but it won't let me import 2020 pdf

[dr3412]

I was able to open last years file and save it under a different name and then use that file to transfer. 

[Sschroeder604]

You certainly can upload from a pdf, I do it all the time. I am having same issue this year.

[VolvoGirl]

Why are you using a pdf?  Don't you have the tax data file?  

I wouldn't bother trying to transfer from a pdf. It only transfers very basic info like your name and address and AGI. Did you use Turbo Tax last year or is it another pdf? It has to be an electronic pdf file not one you scanned in. If you used Turbo Tax you should have a data file ending in .tax2020 on your computer or be in the same online account and it will automatically transfer.

[vaibhav-kumtheka]

I had same problem of file too big error while working on 2021 tax on mac desktop version. When I tried to close the app and then tried to open the .tax2020 file, it did transfer and I was able to make progress. 

There is always one or other issue with turbotax and have to figure out different ways to get out of it.

Hope this helps.