What does "transfer return" mean? What does it do? How do I know if I'm supposed to click this button?

[barbagg]

When I first open TurboTax, it lists my return from last year, and has a blue button next to it saying "Transfer Return".  There is no explanation of what this means.  What does it mean?  What does it do?  How can I tell if I'm supposed to click this button or not?

[Anita01 · Accepted solution]

It transfers information from your prior year return.  It would, for example, show W-2s received last year but not he amounts because you need to update those.  It would transfer all your personal information, which you should verify is still correct.  It basically just saves you some typing.  It's not a requirement, but you can only do it when you're first starting the new return.

[barbagg]

So you need to fix TurboTax to provide this explanation when one hovers one's mouse over "Transfer Return". Otherwise one will not remember what this means from year to year.

[Anita01]

I'll pass on your suggestion.  Thanks

[prapanw]

Looks like there is no documentation for 2021 tax return software as well. No explanation and highly confusing!