Will a tax file completed on a MAC upload onto a PC?

[sahearne]

2019 taxes were done with CD on a MAC.  Will I be able to upload them to PC to complete an online return for 2020?

[macuser_22]

The .tax file is the same for Mac and PC.     If you mean to transfer carry over data into TurboTax online for 2020 then it is the same file either way and can be uploaded from either computer into online.

Also see:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/transfer-last-year-s-return-to-turbotax-fo...

[SteamTrain]

IF things remain the same for 2020 taxes, as the Online software for prior years.

1)  Yes, there is a way to "transfer" the desktop prior year ...into the next year's "Online" tax software.  BUT...but not much transfers... all your personal information and a lot of tax forms, mostly empty of $$ data.....carryover data for things like capital losses not used, some unused energy credits, and the like...... and a few basic total values that are only used for comparison, and certainly the tax history worksheet with those totals....as long as the year-to-year transfer remains unbroken.

2) the actual .tax2019 datafile  will not show up in the Online account, nor can it be read form the Online account.  (nor will the PDF file, if you created one).  All those files for 2019 and earlier years...anything created with the desktop software, will need to be saved and backed up off computer yourself.

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3)   Also, some folks don't realize, that a single year's full tax data file created in Desktop ...that cannot be uploaded and opened by the same-year "Online" software.   Though the reverse can be done...a single year's Online full data file can be downloaded and opened by the same year's Desktop software.  Thus a 2020 desktop tax file cannot be uploaded and used by the 2020 Online software. 

......(unless that capability is changed in the future...but I kind-of doubt it will since I'm sure they would be concerned about uploading viruses into the Online system)

[Critter-3]

@SteamTrain 

You have things mixed up a bit ... transferring from a PDF is very limited but if you transfer from a .taxfile then it all transfers to the ONLINE and DOWNLOADED versions the same exact way.

How to transfer last year’s return? https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883

How do I transfer last year's return into the 2019 TurboTax for Mac software?

Transfer last year's return to 2019 TurboTax for Windows

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

 

 

How do I transfer last year's return to TurboTax Online?

(If you're looking to transfer last year's return to TurboTax CD/Download, follow these instructions instead.)

It's easy to transfer last year's return and depending on your situation, the transfer could be:

• Automatic—which will transfer all of your info without you having to do anything extra.
• Or from a PDF—which will transfer your personal info and your AGI to give you a head start.
• Or from a .tax file—which will transfer all of your info in a few short steps.

Select your situation below.

If you used TurboTax Online last year

All you need to do is sign in with the same login you used last year, and we'll transfer your information over.

Can't remember your login from last year? Try our account recovery tool.

If you used other tax software last year

Select the method you used to file last year and use the onscreen help links and instructions to transfer your PDF and to change your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.) if different.

Keep in mind:

• The PDF needs to be your 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
• The program accepts PDFs from a range of providers, such as:
•  
  • H&R Block, Credit Karma, TaxAct, ezTaxReturn, TaxSlayer, Liberty Tax/Tax Brain

We support a wide number of other providers and keep expanding our capabilities.

In certain situations, the program might not accept a PDF, such as when it’s password-protected, a scan of a hard copy rather than an electronic PDF, and certain other cases. If this happens, don’t worry, we’ll guide you through typing in your info.

If you used TurboTax CD/Download last year

You can transfer last year's tax data file (.tax2018) if you're preparing your 2019 return online in TurboTax Live Basic, TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Deluxe, TurboTax Premier, TurboTax Live Premier, TurboTax Self-Employed, or TurboTax Live Self-Employed. (Free Edition, with or without PLUS, doesn't support transferring last year's .tax file.)

• You won't be able to transfer a PDF, it must be a .tax file.

Note: If you already started your 2019 return in TurboTax Online, transferring will clear any info you have already entered. Please keep in mind, a .tax file from a previous year will not transfer if the file is password protected.

Here's how to transfer:

You have to use TurboTax Online on your computer to do this transfer (it won’t work from a mobile device/mobile web, or in the mobile app).

1. Sign in to TurboTax Online and start a new return, or continue a return you already started by selecting the Take me to my return button.
2. After the screen has loaded, select the TaxTools drop-down menu in the left-hand column, and then select Tools.
3. In the pop-up window, select the Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer link. (If you don’t see this option, you may need to Clear & Start Over.)

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish transferring your file.

Related Information:

• Why didn't last year's tax return transfer over in TurboTax Online?
• When transferring a .tax file, what information carries over to my return?
• Forgot your TurboTax Online User ID or password?
• Transfer last year's return to 2018 TurboTax for Windows
• How do I transfer last year's return into the 2018 TurboTax for Mac software?

[VolvoGirl]

If you transfer from the .tax2019 file on your computer then everything WILL TRANSFER.   Only the pdf transfer is limited to basic info.  

For next year 2020 return.....

If you used the Desktop program last year here's how to transfer into the Online version, expand the blue link if you used the CD/download last year. You will need to have the filed ending in .tax2019 on your computer. Transferring from last year will clear out anything you have entered online for 2020 and you will have to start over.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/how-do-i-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-...

If you used the Desktop program before you may not like the online version. It has less features and no Forms Mode. You can only do 1 return. Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2020 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done. In case you need to amend it in the future or if you need a copy to get a loan or something. You might not be able to access your online return when you need a copy.

Otherwise to transfer to the Desktop CD/Download program and to either Mac or PC all you need is the .tax2019 file on the computer.  You can move it from or to MAC or PC.   Both Mac and PC use the same .tax file.  So you can copy it over.    The CD has both Mac and PC programs on it.  If you install from a Download you need to download the right one for PC or Mac.

[SteamTrain]

@Critter-3 

Well, maybe I summarized it to briefly, or described poorly .... but what I said was trying to be consistent with your (much Better) FAQs on transferring from one year to the next, especially this comprehensive one I've never noticed before:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/entering-importing/help/when-transferring-a-tax-file-what-informat...

_______________________

Certainly, I was trying to indicate that even though some types of 2019 data will transfer to 2020, the actual 2019 datafile cannot be opened itself in the Online software, nor will the .tax2019  datafile be stored there as a separate accessible file as part of the transfer.  (Ignoring the MyDocs cloud storage)

Thus forms for 1099-INT, -DIV, -OID, many 1099-R and W-2 forms etc used the prior year will be there and filled out as to person and issuer/source...but all $$ info is empty on those.   Things like Amortization schedules for various purposes should still be there, with the proper data for personal businesses, and rental properties. 

And, Of course, the prior year $$ comparison values will be present on the various menu pages, and in some of the interview sections (with some menu display bugs on 1099-DIV/INT values for the prior year)

I was just trying to indicate that full access to those 2019 files will not be available.

[Critter-3]

My answer is cut and paste from the TT FAQs.