Can I import a prior years files from TurboTax that were done on my desktop and have the info flow to this years return if I were to use the online software going forward (2024)

FAQs

How do I import previous years TurboTax desktop? ›

A: Yes, you can transfer your previous year's Desktop tax data file (with a filename extension . tax[year], such as . tax2019) into TurboTax Live Online Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed for tax year 2020.

We can import W2 and 1099 information directly from over 100,000 banks, payroll providers, employers and financial institutions. No need to sift though your documents to find and manually enter information. We'll import it directly to all the right places on your tax return. TurboTax safely and securely pulls the data.

You sure can! TurboTax 2022 software can be installed, authenticated, and activated on up to 5 different computers per the TurboTax Desktop Software End User License Agreement for Tax Year 2022.

First, make sure you're signing in with the same user ID that you used last year. Use our account recovery tool to see if you have other user IDs tied to your email address. If you do, start a new return at turbotax.com with last year's login and we'll transfer your data over.

TurboTax Live is available for TurboTax Online customers only. TurboTax Live isn't available in the TurboTax CD/Download software.

TurboTax Tip: If you filed your taxes with a TurboTax CD/download product, your tax return should be stored on your computer, so you can print a copy at any time. If you use TurboTax Online, you can sign in and print copies of your tax return for free.

The IRS allows electronic filing of tax returns for the current tax year only. Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers, and only when the Modernized e-File System is available.

Can you file past tax returns electronically? ›

Prior Year Returns – MeF allows filing of prior year 1040 returns. As a new tax form type is added to the MeF platform, tax returns will be accepted for the current tax year only. As subsequent tax years are added to the system, MeF will accept the current tax year and two prior tax years.

We protect your Intuit Account with the latest technology for privacy and security. Unfortunately, this doesn't allow a safe and secure way to merge multiple accounts.

And thankfully, you can also file tax returns from previous years using TurboTax. Select the year you want to file a return for to get started. Then, input your tax information and TurboTax will properly fill out the tax forms.

If you used TurboTax Online, simply log in to your account and select “Amend a return that was filed and accepted.” If you used our CD/download product, sign back into your return and select “Amend a filed return.” You must file a separate Form 1040-X for each tax return you are amending.

Because there isn't a way to update your prior-year tax software to handle the 2022 tax laws, you'll need to purchase TurboTax 2022 if you want to use TurboTax to prepare this year's taxes.

TurboTax CD/Download Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns.

No, you do not have to keep previous years of TurboTax installed on your computer. As long as you have your CD it can be reinstalled. Or, if you purchased it from TurboTax and downloaded it to your computer, it can be downloaded again.

You're free to use the same license code to install the software on up to five computers; you'll need to purchase another license if you need more.

Many people ask, "where are TurboTax files stored."; The answer is simple. The files are saved in the TurboTax folder in the My documents option.

By default, TurboTax saves tax files in the My Documents, TurboTax folder.

How much does TurboTax desktop cost? ›

Tax Return Access: Included with all TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service customers and access to up to the prior seven years of tax returns we have on file for you is available through 12/31/2024.

Yes, TurboTax Online automatically saves your work as you progress through the tax interview. When you sign out your progress will be saved and you can sign back in and file your return at a later time. To sign out, simply click Sign Out at the bottom left of your screen.

TurboTax Live Assisted Basic is $0 through March 31, 2023 for simple tax returns only.

Works well for business income but no expenses. Premier $89 + $59 per state (Live Assisted: $179, $64). Deluxe version plus investment reporting and rental income (Schedules D and E, and K-1s). Self-Employed $119 + $59 per state (Live Assisted: $209, $64).

If you qualify for credits or deductions not covered in the Basic plan that boost your refund, it could be worthwhile to upgrade to Deluxe. The Deluxe tier includes everything in the Basic version but also searches through more than 350 tax deductions and credits to find tax breaks that you qualify for.

You can request old tax returns from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For more details, see: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html. The Social Security Administration provides copies of old W-2s or related Social Security documents. For more details, visit: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02501.

1. IRS Audits. As we mentioned above, the IRS can audit your tax returns for a certain period. If the IRS conducts an audit and you don't have documentation to back up your tax claims, it can be extremely difficult to prove that the agency made a mistake.

It may benefit you to file an old return before a demand is made. There is no time limit for submitting a previously unfiled return, but if you still want to claim a refund, you have up to 3 years from the return's due date.

What happens if you forgot to file taxes years ago? ›

You risk losing your refund if you don't file your return. If you are due a refund for withholding or estimated taxes, you must file your return to claim it within 3 years of the return due date. The same rule applies to a right to claim tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit.

There's no limit to how long you have to file back taxes, but you'll lose any refund that you might have coming if you wait more than three years.

As such, this will affect the processing time of your return. You can prepare and e-file your current, 2022 Tax Year Return on eFile.com regardless of when you mail your back tax return. Remember, prior year tax returns cannot be electronically filed anywhere.

Answer: Yes, electronically filed tax returns are accepted until November.

You can still file 2015 tax returns

Even though the deadline has passed, you can file your 2015 taxes online in a few simple steps. Our online income tax software uses the 2015 IRS tax code, calculations, and forms.

It also allows you to prepare and print unlimited federal tax returns, and e-file up to five at no charge (additional fee per state e-file with TurboTax CD/Download).

In TurboTax Online, you can prepare and e-file one federal and up to five associated state returns under the same account login (your account is your username, not your e-mail address). And you can file up to five federal returns under the same email.

Not the same account, but you can use the same email address on multiple accounts. Each return needs its own user ID and password when using TurboTax Online. Create a new account (new user ID and password) for your son's return.

To reiterate: you will only ever file one federal tax return.

Once you access the account used to file previous returns, Turbotax recommends selecting the "Documents" option on the left menu. The selection is located immediately below the "Tax Home" label. Next, access the drop-down menu to select the desired tax year for the return you want to retrieve.

What happens if I haven't filed my taxes in 3 years? ›

The IRS may charge you penalties and interest for each month you go without filing and don't pay taxes due. Additionally, if you don't file a return within three years of the due date, you may forfeit any refund you're owed.

Any amended Form 1040 and 1040-SR returns older than three years, or Form 1040-NR and 1040-SS/PR returns older than 2 years cannot be amended electronically. Amended returns for any other tax years or tax forms must be filed by paper.

If you used our CD or download product, the file will be stored on the computer you used to file your taxes. If you used our online product, just log on to your account to get a copy of prior-year returns. Let an expert do your taxes for you, start to finish with TurboTax Live Full Service.

But, one thing is clear: Unlike an original Form 1040 – 90% of which are e-filed – amended returns are processed by an actual person at the IRS. That means the IRS doesn't automatically accept amended returns. However, the IRS won't open an audit (or, “examination”) simply because you file an amended return.

For most people, the best option is using TurboTax online, where you do your taxes on your computer, or using the TurboTax mobile app. There's a free version of the software available, but it only works for the simplest tax returns, and not all taxpayers qualify.

Free alternative: Prepare your taxes yourself with Free File Fillable Forms from the IRS. You can also avoid the $59 TurboTax fee for state by filing through your state's website for free.

TurboTax CD/Download Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns.

If you do not see the return that you are looking for, it may have been filed under a different username. If you filed through another account, you must login to that account (the one that it was filed through) in order to access it.

You have the option to import your W-2s into TurboTax. This feature is quick, easy, and automatically puts your information in the right places on your tax return. product that supports the W-2 import feature - TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, or Home & Business.

You can securely import Forms 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-OID, and 1099-R into TurboTax, provided your brokerage or financial institution is a participating TurboTax Import Partner.

How do I retrieve old tax returns? ›

Taxpayers can call 800-908-9946 to request a transcript by phone. Transcripts requested by phone will be mailed to the taxpayer. By mail. Taxpayers can complete and send either Form 4506-T or Form 4506-T-EZ to the IRS to get one by mail.

Many people ask, "where are TurboTax files stored."; The answer is simple. The files are saved in the TurboTax folder in the My documents option.

By default, TurboTax saves its files in the Documents folder of the user who used the software to prepare their taxes. The deleted TurboTax file would be in the Trash where the files can be restored.

Start by checking if your financial institution or brokerage is a TurboTax 1099 partner (opens new page; scroll down and select the 1099/1098 Partners tab). If your institution isn't on the list, you won't be able to import.

The employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is missing. The Control Number (W-2, box D) is missing. The box 1 amount is missing (try substituting the YTD or Year To Date gross federal wages amount from your final 2022 pay stub) Your employer's payroll service isn't a TurboTax Import Partner.

Access Tax Records in Online Account

You can view your tax records now in your Online Account. This is the fastest, easiest way to: Find out how much you owe.

With the TurboTax import program, your users can instantly import tax related data into TurboTax.

Sign in to TurboTax and open or continue your return. Search for the name of your form (like 1099-B), and select the Jump to link in the search results. Follow the screens and you'll be able to import your form.