Windows Version Requirements Going Forward

[Npg220]

I had considered, going to TurboTax online for this year only, and then returning to the Desktop version when I upgrade the Windows 11 Later this year. For what I was seeing, you can import your previous years tax return to the online version with no difficulty. However, if you wish to switch back to the PC version, you cannot export the information from the online version to the PC version for next year‘s use. You would have to re-enter all the information from the previous years tax return. I gather that from looking at various posts and Faqs from intuit.

This will be an enormous amount of work, and another failing of the online system, which apparently traps you in it forever. On the other hand, TurboTax Desktop can import all the files from H&R Block Desktop version, And H&R Block can import all the data from a TurboTax return. So no matter what One thinks about the H&R Block interface, it will Save me an enormous amount of time for the 2027 return this year, and then return to TurboTax Desktop version later if I so choose

[VolvoGirl]

@Npg220   No,  you CAN transfer from the Online version back to the Desktop program.  No problem.  

[VolvoGirl]

@Npg220   Here's a screen shot I just made from my Windows program.

[Npg220]

Thanks. Maybe this is a new feature. I had read before TTonline only exports PDF to your computer which cannot be read by desktop software versions of course. 

[VolvoGirl]

Nope always been able to.   In the past you could download the .tax2024 file from online to transfer into Desktop.   Now there is a button to do it.   You should still download both the .tax2024 file and pdf for backup in case you need to amend in the future.  Like to amend 2023 you did online you need to download the .tax2023 file and install the Desktop program to open it.

Here’s some differences between Online and Desktop.

If you switch to the Online version for 2025…..You will notice several differences and may not like the online version.  It has less features and no Forms Mode.

The Online web version is only good for one account and one return.  Although you can use the same email address for 5 separate accounts.  Your return is only saved online so be sure to save both the .tax2025 data file and the pdf file to your computer when you are done.

You can log in and access your return from any computer. You only can see the forms after you pay and download the pdf. And you might need to upgrade to a higher version to enter different kinds of income.

If you can't  install Turbo Tax Desktop program you can transfer from your 2024 return from your computer into the online version. You need to have the file ending in.tax2024 on your computer.

[VolvoGirl]

@Npg220   Here is how to download and Save the tax file from online version.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...

[Npg220]

Thanks so much for this clear explanation! Feel very comfortable now trying online version for one year, then switching back to my familiar desktop version after I upgrade Windows. 

[sbigej]

I purchased a new laptop for Windows 11.  How do I install previous versions (2024-2021) of Turbotax to the new laptop.

[VolvoGirl]

For Windows…..What I would do on the old computer, is copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents. That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored. Also if you haven't done it, I would open each year in the program and save it as a pdf file, go to FILE - SAVE TO PDF so you don't need the program installed to view your return. Copy that folder to a flash drive or best yet is to burn it to a CD or DVD and then you will have a backup of them. Then on the new computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder.

You only need the tax return data file ending in .tax2024 to transfer into 2025. You can't transfer the programs. They have to be installed from the CD or Download. You don't need to install older programs unless you need to amend or you didn't save the pdf file. And they only support the last 3 years. If you install an older year you won't be able to update it or download any state programs, so you won't be able to open your return.

To open your current return on the new computer you need to copy the data file ending in .tax2024 from the old computer or from your backup. On Windows it should be in your Documents then in a Turbo Tax subfolder. Or search your whole computer for all files ending in .tax or .tax204. Copy it to your Documents on the new computer.

See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...

If you need to install a prior year program.   Since you now have to log into an Intuit Account when you first install it, all your downloads and license codes are listed there (even if you bought it from somewhere else) so if you need to install it again or install on another computer, even on the other operating system (Windows, Mac) you can download it again here,
https://accounts.intuit.com/app/account-manager/productsBilling/turbotax