Possible to import or transfer info from TurboTax Free File to another version of TurboTax?

[Bombadillll]

I had completed everything and was ready to file my return, but received an error message saying that I didn't qualify to file using the Free File program. I used it last year having fallen on hard times. I don't see an option to upgrade. Is there any way to save all my hard work and import into another version of TurboTax Online?

Under the Tools Center, I see an option that says "Save your 2019 return to your computer". I clicked that and a file is saved to my computer called "taxReturn.tax2019", but I can't preview or open it. Another option under the Tools Center says, "Share my file with Agent". Would either of these options somehow help me salvage the nearly 20 hours I spent preparing my files?

[CassLO · Accepted solution]

Go to the TurboTax products page, click the version you want to use, then it should give you the option for the version you choose and the Free File Version.

Make sure you're already logged into the "free IRS version" then click the link, to choose your product you want to switch too. It should prompt you to answer how you did your taxes last year, which is where you'll click "turbo tax" and it should direct you back to the IRS version then ask if you want to switch to the "free simple version" or which ever TurboTax version you need Deluxe ect.

What's the difference between IRS Free File Program and Free Edition?

[JackG1]

Doesn't work - don't have the option to switch to another version.  And the download option creates a file that TurboTax Deluxe says it can't open...bummer.

[DavidD66]

If you are using the Free File website there is no option to upgrade.  You will have to start over in the regular Turbo Tax by going to: https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ 

[Bombadillll]

CassLO's instructions worked for me. Make sure you read them closely.

And apparently, the "taxReturn.tax2019" file that is downloaded can only be opened by Download/CD versions of TurboTax. Online versions of TurboTax do not have the capability of opening this file.

[alfgg]

I was able to migrate my data from the Free File version to one of the commercial versions (Self-Employed).

1) I logged out of Turbotax.

2) I went to the Turbotax products page, selected the "Self-Employed" package.

3) I was given the option to sign in if I was already an Intuit user.

4) After signing in I was redirected to my free file version and was asked in a pop-up window if I wanted to migrate to Turbotax Self-Employed.

5) I clicked yes, and that was it.