I cannot upload previous years tax file in pdf format. Each time I trey to upload, I get "upload failed" message. How to upload the file?

Generally, transferring the .tax file is better than uploading a PDF from your previous year. Your tax data file can be read and edited in TurboTax, whereas your PDF file is a non-editable "snapshot" of your tax return that can be opened, viewed, and printed in a PDF viewer program.

To transfer your 2019 PDF, which was a 1040 return generated through TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxACT software, see the instructions below. 

Be aware that in some cases TurboTax won't be able to read the PDF, for example if it's password-protected or is a scanned copy of a PDF instead of an actual PDF file.

Instructions

1. Open your TurboTax 2020 program and choose New Tax Return from the File menu in the upper left corner.
2. Click Start a New Return.
3. When you get to the transfer screen, click Browse.
4. Navigate to your PDF file, click Open, and follow any onscreen instructions.

Related Information:

• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?
• Transfer last year's return to 2020 TurboTax for Windows