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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How you import last year’s tax information depends on where that return is stored. Sign in with the same TurboTax account to carry information into TurboTax Online; use a prior-year .tax[year] file to transfer between Desktop and Online or into Desktop; and use a qualifying electronic return PDF when importing from another provider to Online. Before you start, check the destination tax year and read any warning about replacing information already entered.
Choose the transfer route that matches your old return
| Where last year’s return is | Where you’re filing now | What to use |
|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Online account | TurboTax Online | Sign in with the same user ID used last year. TurboTax says prior information transfers over. If you cannot access the account, use Intuit’s account recovery option. Intuit’s Online transfer guide |
| TurboTax Desktop data file | TurboTax Desktop for Windows | Start a new, empty return and choose Transfer Return, or browse to the prior-year tax file. Intuit’s current example transfers a .tax2024 file into TurboTax 2025. Intuit’s Windows Desktop transfer guide |
| TurboTax Desktop data file | TurboTax Online | Use the prior-year .tax[year] data file, with password protection removed. This transfer must be done on a computer; Intuit says a PDF cannot be used for this route. Intuit’s Online transfer guide |
| Another provider’s electronic return PDF | TurboTax Online | Try the qualifying electronic 1040 or 1040-SR PDF. Password-protected PDFs and scans of paper returns may not import; TurboTax may instead guide you to enter information manually. Intuit’s Online transfer guide |
Transfer a Desktop return into TurboTax Desktop for Windows
- Open the TurboTax Desktop software for the tax year you are filing and start a new return.
- When prompted to transfer a return, choose Transfer Return, then select the prior-year file. You can also browse to the file when prompted.
- If the prior return is on a Mac, copy its tax file to the Windows computer and add the relevant
.tax[year]extension if needed. Intuit’s example uses a 2024 file and TurboTax 2025. - Review the imported information in the new return and correct anything that is incomplete or no longer accurate.
The transfer option is for a new, empty return. Intuit specifically warns not to select Continue when starting this process. If you have already passed the transfer screens, Intuit’s documented way to try again is to start over with a new return. Windows transfer steps and cautions
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Transfer a Desktop file into TurboTax Online
- On a computer, locate the prior-year TurboTax Desktop data file. It should have the applicable
.tax[year]extension. - Remove password protection from the file before attempting the transfer.
- In TurboTax Online, follow the prompts to import the Desktop return. If a return is already in progress, read the warning before continuing: the transfer can clear information you have already entered.
- Check the resulting return and fill in or correct anything that did not transfer.
This Desktop-to-Online process does not work from a mobile device, and a PDF is not a substitute for the tax data file. Intuit’s instructions for transferring a Desktop return to Online and file and device requirements
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What may not carry over—and what to review
A transfer brings forward information; it does not guarantee that every calculation or detail is complete. Intuit notes that some items requiring complex calculations, such as depreciation, may not transfer. Review the imported return rather than treating the transfer as a finished filing.
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
- Check income, personal details, dependents, and other imported entries for accuracy.
- Look for sections that need additional information or recalculation, especially complex items such as depreciation.
- Edit or delete transferred information that is outdated or incorrect.
- If the import fails, confirm that the file is the correct type, is accessible on the computer you are using, and is not password-protected. For a PDF import, make sure it is an electronic return PDF rather than a scan.
Check the tax year and computer requirements
TurboTax Desktop editions are specific to a tax year. Intuit says each annual release handles that year’s tax laws, and last year’s software cannot file this year’s taxes. Choose the Desktop release for the return year you are preparing, not simply the year of the file you are importing. Intuit’s explanation of annual Desktop versions
Operating-system requirements also vary by tax year. Intuit’s requirements page, updated September 2026, lists Windows 11 64-bit or later and macOS Sonoma 14 or later for tax year 2025; TurboTax Desktop Business is Windows-only. Check the requirements for the specific edition and tax year before installing. TurboTax Desktop system requirements
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, freelancer, small business owner, sole proprietor, or consultant
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary)
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
If you are preparing an unfiled older return rather than importing its information into a current return, that is a different task: Intuit’s August 2026 guidance describes preparing eligible 2022–2024 individual returns with matching Desktop software and paper-filing them in the cases it covers. Its January 2026 page said Desktop preparation software was available for 2022, 2023, and 2024, while software for 2021 and earlier was no longer sold at that time. Availability and eligibility can change, so check Intuit’s current instructions for the return year. Intuit’s instructions for prior-year returns and Intuit’s prior-year filing information
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![TurboTax Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal Tax Return [Win11 Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41DGgZMFxXL._SL160_.jpg)
- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you have a partnership, own an S or C Corp, Multi-Member LLC, manage a trust or estate, or need to file a separate tax return for your business
- Includes 5 Federal e-files. Business State forms sold separately via download. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Prepare and file your business or trust taxes with confidence
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you sold stock, bonds or mutual funds, sold employee stock, own rental property or are a trust beneficiary.
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
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![[OLD VERSION] TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software, Federal & State Tax Return [PC/MAC Download]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/414LnnlQ-xL._SL160_.jpg)
- Recommended if you sold stock, bonds or mutual funds, sold employee stock, own rental property or are a trust beneficiary
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- NEW. Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
- Get your taxes done right and keep more of your investment and rental property income
- Step-by-step guidance on stocks, bonds, ESPPs and other investment income
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