Transferring 2025 files from another computer

[ladystuart]

I have to use a new computer. I tried to open my 2024 returns on my old computer to save and transfer to the new computer. The program wanted to update the program and then asked for a key. I don't have that any more. What do I do

[mesquitebean]

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@ ladystuart wrote:

I have to use a new computer. I tried to open my 2024 returns on my old computer to save and transfer to the new computer. The program wanted to update the program and then asked for a key. I don't have that any more. What do I do

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Are you using a Mac or Windows PC?

Please explain more about what you mean by "key."   Are you referring to the 16-digit license code to run the TurboTax program?   Or are you asking about a keychain access on a Mac computer, etc. to unlock a protected data file?

If you are asking about the 2024 license code, you should be able to retrieve it in your Intuit Account in the products section.    To get there, sign into online TurboTax and in the left column scroll way down to the tab Intuit Account.   But that license code is not needed just to transfer the 2024 data file to a new computer.   See my next comment below.

[mesquitebean]

You many not need the 2024 license activation code, if you're just wanting to transfer your *.tax2024 data file from the old computer to the new computer so you can transfer the data into a new 2025 return.  In that case you don't have to open the *.tax2024 data file in the 2024 program on the old computer.   You can copy the *.tax2024 data file from the old computer to a thumb drive, and then deposit it in the new computer.     If you have a Windows PC, it's best to place it in the Documents\TurboTax folder, which is the default location for TurboTax data files.

Or are you wanting to make a 2024 PDF on the old computer and then also transfer the 2024 PDF to your new computer?   If so, and if you haven't already previously made a PDF, that would indeed require you to run the 2024 program to make the PDF file.  I've addressed that in a comment that follows this one.

If you password-protected or encrypted the 2024 data file on the old computer, there could be additional issue.

[mesquitebean]

@ ladystuart 

Or were you wanting to make a 2024 PDF of your return to transfer that PDF to the new computer?   In that case, you would indeed need to open the 2024 data file in the 2024 software to make the PDF.   So maybe that's what  you are asking about???    So in that case, to make a PDF you would need the license code if it's asking for one.   And it is a good idea to make the PDF, since it makes for easy viewing, especially if you lose access to your 2024 software.  It should be stored safely and securely in addition to the *.tax2024 data file in case you need it for future purposes.

You should save and store both the *.tax2024 data file and any PDF you make.   The *.tax2024 data file can be used to transfer 2024 information into your new 2025 return.

NOTE:  Remember all PDF tax documents and tax data files are very sensitive files, since they contain your personal ID info, financial data, and possibly bank account numbers, etc.  Be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.