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Gold47
New Member

Unable to import PDF of last year's return

I previously used H&R Block desktop software to file my 2023 return(s).

I purchased the TurboTax desktop Mac version for 2024 having been assured it would be able to import my previous return data (which is in PDF format).

It won't.

Yes I've read the postings here that refer you to a support document.  

I've followed the rather useless support document which simply tells you to "follow the instructions in the program".

 

When I point it to the last year PDF, it sits and grinds away for about a minute and then says:

 

This import was unsuccessful.

We recommend you check your internet connection and try again. If we still can't get your info, don't worry. We'll help you enter it manually so you can keep working on your taxes.

 

There is nothing wrong with the PDF that I can see, it meets all the requirements and is not a scanned copy.

And there is nothing wrong with my internet connection either.

 

Where do I go from here?

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4 Replies

Unable to import PDF of last year's return

All that would transfer from the pdf would be your information like your name and social security number.  None of the income, credits, or deductions will transfer from a pdf.  It is easier to just type your information in.

CatinaT1
Employee Tax Expert

Unable to import PDF of last year's return

Here is a FAQ: How to Transfer into the Mac Desktop program

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Gold47
New Member

Unable to import PDF of last year's return

So you're saying Intuit's claims are totally misleading and bogus?

 

When I switched from TurboTax 2017 to H&R Block in 2018, it imported information such as carried-forward credits, which payers sent me 1099s the previous year, charities, etc, and that saved me a lot of time.  It read the .tax2017 file from Turbotax (not the PDF!) directly.

 

So when I bought TurboTax this year instead and the marketing material said it could import previous tax returns from all popular programs, I assumed it would.

 

I can't even import even the basic info such as the name, address, and SSN from the PDF!

CatinaT1
Employee Tax Expert

Unable to import PDF of last year's return

Yes, you can import. Did you click the link I attached? At the bottom it shows how to transfer from a PDF. I included the MAC version since you said you had a MAC. You can reference this link as well: How to Transfer into the Windows Desktop program

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