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February 16, 2021
Question

How do i transfer information from last years tax return, to this years tax returns?

  • February 16, 2021
  • 3 replies
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How do I transfer information from my 2019 turbotax return, to my 2020 turbo tax return?

3 replies

DoninGA
Employee
February 16, 2021

Sign onto the 2020 online account using the exact same User ID you used to create, complete and file the 2019 online tax return.

Critter-3
February 16, 2021

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:

April 14, 2022

Help, I am not on line.

I want to transfer data from last years return into this years program on my computer.

April 14, 2022

If you are using TurboTax from a a download or disc you must have a copy of your 2020 .tax file on your computer for this to work.

 

To transfer your 2020 .tax file into TurboTax Desktop:

  1. Install, update and open your TurboTax program.
  2. Select Start a new return toward the lower right corner.
  3. The program will search for your .tax 2020 file automatically.
  4. If the program doesn't find your file, select Browse toward the bottom left.
  5. You can use the pop up window to search different parts of your computer for the 2020 tax file. 

If this doesn't address your situation, please clarify by telling us how you did your taxes last year. 

 

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March 31, 2023

could someone from support please call me at [phone number removed] as soon as Thank you.. I have tried repeatedly to call the support and do not get a response to my call. My license code is: [removed] . 

March 31, 2023

Question;  are you using a different computer than last year, vs. this year?  The reason I ask is, I couldn't transfer either 4 years ago.  I bought a new computer.  The IP Address was different for the new computer, so I had to input all info. again myself--since then I've been able to get the transfers.  If Turbo can't see last years', it won't happen.  Also, if your a first time user of Turbo, you're going to input everything in as well.

Hoping this helped!