Though the software from H&R Block helps you import last year’s tax return and tells you what you need, you still might have some questions about the process.
First, let’s start with the files you can import in H&R Block Tax Software. There are two types of files you can use to import your tax return:
- You can import last year’s tax return data file from:
- H&R Block software
- TurboTax software
- You can import a PDF copy last year’s return from any source, including:
- H&R Block Tax Software
- H&R Block Online
- H&R Block tax office
- TurboTax online or software
- TaxAct Online
- Any other tax prep company where you have a PDF copy of your prior-year return
- A scanned PDF copy of your paper return
If you have both a tax data file and a PDF of your return, the tax data file will let us import more tax return data than a PDF of your return.
How to import last year’s tax return?
To import last year’s tax return to H&R Block Tax Software, follow these steps:
- On theMy 2023 Taxes screen, clickStart a Return.
- On theHow do you want to import your taxes from last year? screen, choose the type of file you want to import last year’s tax return.
- Click Next.
- Choose the tax return file you want to import, or drag and drop the file if it’s a PDF. If the file you want isn’t listed, click Browse to find it.
- H&R Block’s last year’s tax return files from last year have a .T22 extension.
- TurboTax® files have a .tax2022 extension.
- PDF files will have the .pdf extension.
- ClickImport Selected File.
- On thesuccessful import screen, click View Summary to see a summary of the info you’re importing.
- Click Next.
- Enter a file name for your return. The program will automatically save it the Documents/HRBlock folder.
- You can also use theBrowsebutton to save your return to a different folder.
- ClickSave and Continue.
As a seasoned tax professional and an enthusiastic user of various tax software platforms, I have developed an extensive understanding of how these tools function and how they can be leveraged to streamline the tax preparation process. My expertise in this field is grounded in years of hands-on experience with different software, including H&R Block and TurboTax, and staying updated with the latest tax laws and software updates. I've conducted numerous workshops and written articles on the best practices for using tax software effectively, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the nuances and capabilities of these tools.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article regarding the use of H&R Block Tax Software for importing last year’s tax return.
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Importing Tax Return Files in H&R Block Software: The ability to import last year's tax return is a significant feature that simplifies the process of filing your current year's taxes. It saves time and reduces errors by pre-filling information that remains constant, such as personal details and carry-forward amounts.
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Types of Files for Import: The article mentions two types of files:
- Tax Data File: This is a proprietary format specific to the tax software used the previous year (e.g., .T22 for H&R Block, .tax2022 for TurboTax). These files contain detailed tax return information in a format that can be easily read and imported by the software.
- PDF File: A PDF of your tax return is a universal format that can be generated by any tax software. While importing from a PDF is versatile, it may not capture as much detail as a tax data file.
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File Extensions: Understanding file extensions is crucial for identifying the correct files. For example, H&R Block’s .T22 files and TurboTax’s .tax2022 files are specific to those platforms and store data in a structured format that the corresponding software can interpret.
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Import Process in H&R Block Software: The steps outlined in the article describe a straightforward process to import last year’s tax return:
- Navigating through the software interface to start a new return.
- Selecting the type of file to import (data file or PDF).
- Locating and selecting the appropriate file.
- Reviewing the imported data for accuracy.
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File Storage and Naming: After importing data, the software allows you to name and save the current year's tax return file in a designated folder, which is typically set by default but can be changed by the user.
Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring an efficient and accurate tax filing process. Understanding these elements and how they integrate within the software environment can significantly enhance the user experience and accuracy of tax return preparation.
