TT 2022 Home and Business will not import previous year's return

[Carl]

I just did a test, and got exactly what I expected.

I saved my 2021 tax file in PDF format using TurboTax 2021 Home & Business Desktop version.

Started TurboTax 2022 and imported that PDF. As expected, not one iota of information concerning my rental properties (I have 3) was imported. The only thing imported was the information under the "personal info" tab as expected. Even then, it didn't get it all because I had to enter the birthdate for myself and my spouse.

So as expected, when importing from a PDF, you only get the stuff under "Personal Info" and that's pretty much it. That's the way I've seen this advertised ever since the ability to import PDF was implemented years ago.

[ASF01]

In my experience, in addition to the personal info you mention, I would see information about previous topics or items in which data HAD been entered in the previous year.  As you noted, the specific amounts would NOT be transferred.  I have always found such information helpful in ensuring that don't forget to enter data that I may have overlooked in the current year.

[Carl]

I didn't check everything. I have a lot and it would take to long. What I note is that the program does *not* import the data that really matters when importing from a PDF. For example, prior year's depreciation and any PAL carry overs are not imported. When TTX enabled the PDF import feature years ago, I recall them specifically saying that what could be imported from a PDF was extremely limited and not all-inclusive. From the test I just did, that hasn't changed.

[Anonymous_]

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@Carl wrote:

.......what could be imported from a PDF was extremely limited and not all-inclusive. From the test I just did, that hasn't changed.

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I did the same test (with several test returns, actually) and can confirm that nothing has changed; the information imported (transferred) was limited to name, address, SSN, and other basic information. None of the test transfers even managed to include the (fake) phone number although they did manage to import the prior year AGI. 

If other information was imported/transferred, such as prior year information concerning the types of income/deductions that were entered (e.g., W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, et al), then the .taxXXXX file was used, not a PDF.

[joaquinoakland]

"somewhat misleading" is a euphemism. 

Us folks using this forum that Intuit has provided for its customers want straight talk.

The page is false. 

This is not true:

"Can I transfer last years PDF into the 2022 TurboTax? You can, if your 2021 PDF is a 1040 return generated through TurboTax."

This is true:

"Can I transfer last years PDF into the 2022 TurboTax? You can transfer some of the data, if your 2021 PDF is a 1040 return generated through TurboTax. Most of your 2021 data will not be transferred."

I trust the page will be promptly changed to make it clear that the previous year's tax data will not be transferred.  That it will be explicit about which data is transferred and which is not.

[VolvoGirl]

Or by the way, I don't see if anyone mentioned it but since you have been using it a long time are you over 65?  You can not transfer from a 1040 SR pdf.

Can I transfer last year's PDF into the 2021 TurboTax for Windows CD/Download software?

[Anonymous_]

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@ASF01 wrote:

In my experience, in addition to the personal info you mention, I would see information about previous topics or items in which data HAD been entered in the previous year. 

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Again, that information (previous topics or items in which data had been entered) would only be transferred had you used the .taxXXXX file. Such information would not transfer from a PDF.

[joaquinoakland]

    "somewhat misleading" is a euphemism. 

Us folks using this forum, which Intuit has provided for its customers, want straight talk.

The page is false. 

This is not true:

"Can I transfer last years PDF into the 2022 TurboTax? You can, if your 2021 PDF is a 1040 return generated through TurboTax."

This is true:

"Can I transfer last years PDF into the 2022 TurboTax? You can transfer some of the data, if your 2021 PDF is a 1040 return generated through TurboTax. Most of your 2021 data will not be transferred."

I trust the page will be promptly changed to make it clear that the previous year's tax data will not be transferred.  That it will be explicit about which data is transferred and which is not.

[Anonymous_]

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@joaquinoakland wrote:

I trust the page will be promptly changed to make it clear that the previous year's tax data will not be transferred.  That it will be explicit about which data is transferred and which is not.

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That request has been made. Thank you.

[Critter-3]

This chart says it all ...  

What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/difference-tax-data-file-pd...

When transferring a .tax file, what information carries over to my return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/transferring-ta...

[joaquinoakland]

Excellent.  Thanks, much.

(I have never tried to use a PDF; always use the TT file.

      But this is excellent documentation, and will help anyone who lost the TT file.)

[Anonymous_]

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@joaquinoakland wrote:

(I have never tried to use a PDF; always use the TT file.

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That is wise and, in my opinion, the lesson to be learned here is for TurboTax users to never lose their .taxXXXX files. Back them up to multiple HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, whatever, just don't lose those files.

I have tried and I can basically type the paltry amount of information that gets transferred from a PDF in under two minutes; it's almost not even worth transferring.

[Carl]

Back them up

The one thing I stress to all of my clients, is that there is no such thing as to many backups. I also stress the fact that nothing lasts forever. Technology "WILL" fail at some point. In addition to backups to USB drives and DVD, I also stress to physically print the return will all calculation forms and worksheets to physical paper, and to store it in a safe place. The more printed copies stored in various secure locations, the better. When the day comes that the technology fails you (and it will), you'll be thankful to "wasted" the time with hard copies.

One thing I do discourage, is online backup. I have a problem with storing everything needed to steal my identity on a device which I don't have direct physical access to and complete control of. Therefore I don't use things like OneDrive or IDrive for any personal and sensitive information.

[Cheryl9933]

I too am having the same issues.  It will not import the asset and depreciation.  I am not using the pdf. I am using the same file as I have always used and the process just ends after I select the file needed.  It imports nothing not even the personal info.  The pdf version at least imports the personal info.

[ctesla01]

i too, have used tt for over twenty years, and in the past three, it has gone downhill catastrophically.. my experience is also inability to import previous tax file that i clearly see, and open from the desktop.. intuit has become a pita, and pos.. switching to TaxSlayer after this year (as i've already spent 70plus for this crap, and i'm halfway thru manually inputting).. good luck with their customer support; or lack there of..