Moving TurboTax to a new computer can seem like a daunting task, especially when you're dealing with sensitive financial data. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth transition and that all your valuable tax information is safely transferred. Let's get started!
The Grand Migration: Moving TurboTax to Your New Computer
Thinking about a new computer often brings excitement, but for many, it also brings the mild dread of transferring all their essential software and files. When it comes to TurboTax, that dread can be amplified by the importance of your tax returns. But here's the good news: transferring TurboTax and your tax data is entirely manageable with a little planning and the right steps.
This guide will focus on the desktop version of TurboTax (CD/Download). If you use TurboTax Online, the process is much simpler, as your data is stored in the cloud – just log in on your new computer and you're good to go!
Preparation is Key: What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about touching your new computer, it's crucial to gather a few things from your old one. Think of this as your "pre-flight checklist" for a successful migration.
Your TurboTax Installer File (or CD):
If you purchased a physical CD, make sure you have it readily available.
If you downloaded TurboTax, locate the original installer file (usually an .exe for Windows or .dmg for Mac). If you can't find it, don't worry, you can typically re-download it from your Intuit account.
Your TurboTax Product/License Key: This is a 16-character code that came with your purchase (on the CD sleeve, in your purchase confirmation email, or in your Intuit account). This is absolutely essential for activating the software on your new machine.
All Your TurboTax Data Files (.taxYYYY): These are the actual files containing your saved tax returns. They usually have an extension like
.tax2023,.tax2022, etc., depending on the tax year.An External Storage Device: This could be a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, or even cloud storage (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive). This will be your temporary holding place for your valuable tax data.
Internet Connection: You'll need this for downloading the software (if you don't have a CD) and for activating it on your new computer.
Step 1: Unearthing Your Tax Data on the Old Computer
Alright, let's dive in! The first and most critical step is to locate and secure your existing TurboTax data files. Imagine them as precious cargo that needs to be carefully extracted.
Sub-heading 1.1: Finding Your .tax Files
By default, TurboTax is quite predictable about where it saves your tax files.
For Windows: Your tax files are usually located in:
C:\Users\[Your_Username]\Documents\TurboTaxWithin this folder, you'll often find subfolders for each tax year (e.g., "TurboTax 2023").For Mac: Your tax files are typically found in:
/Users/[Your_Username]/Documents/TurboTax
What if they're not there? If you've previously saved your tax files to a different location, you'll need to remember where that was. If you're completely stuck, you can use your computer's search function. Search for files ending with *.taxYYYY (e.g., *.tax2023 to find your 2023 tax files).
Sub-heading 1.2: Backing Up Your Tax Data
This is a crucial step for data safety. Do not skip it!
Create a dedicated folder on your external storage device (USB drive, external HDD, or cloud storage) for your TurboTax files. Name it something clear, like "TurboTax Backup [Year]".
Copy the entire "TurboTax" folder from your "Documents" directory (or wherever you found your .tax files) to this newly created backup folder on your external device. Copying the entire folder ensures you get all associated files, including any PDF copies of your returns you might have saved.
Verify the Copy: After the copy process is complete, open the backup folder on your external device and double-check that your
.taxYYYYfiles are present and appear to be of a reasonable size (not 0 KB).
Pro Tip: While you're at it, it's also a good idea to save a PDF copy of each completed tax return. Go into your TurboTax program on the old computer, open each return, and then go to File > Save to PDF. This gives you an easily viewable and printable version that doesn't require the TurboTax software to open. Save these PDFs in the same backup folder.
Step 2: Preparing Your New Computer for TurboTax
Now that your tax data is safely tucked away, it's time to set up your new machine.
Sub-heading 2.1: Installing TurboTax on Your New Computer
You have two primary ways to install TurboTax:
Using the CD:
Insert the TurboTax CD into your new computer's optical drive.
The installer should automatically launch. If it doesn't, navigate to the CD drive in "My Computer" (Windows) or "Finder" (Mac) and double-click the setup file (e.g.,
setup.exeorTurboTax.dmg).Follow the on-screen prompts to install the software.
Downloading the Software:
Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Log in to your Intuit account. This is usually the account you used when you originally purchased or registered your TurboTax software.
Navigate to your "Downloads" or "My Products" section.
Download the correct version of TurboTax that you purchased for the relevant tax year.
Once downloaded, run the installer file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Sub-heading 2.2: Activating Your TurboTax Software
During the installation process, or the first time you launch TurboTax on your new computer, you will be prompted to activate it.
Enter your 16-character TurboTax product/license key when prompted.
You will likely need to sign in to your Intuit account to associate the license with your new computer. This helps Intuit track your license usage and allows you to easily reinstall in the future.
Follow any additional activation steps as directed by the software.
Important Note: TurboTax typically allows you to install the desktop software on up to five computers you own for personal use. You don't necessarily need to uninstall it from your old computer, though it's good practice to do so if you're completely phasing out the old machine.
Step 3: Transferring Your Tax Data to the New Computer
This is where your patiently backed-up data comes into play!
Sub-heading 3.1: Copying Files to the Default Location
Connect your external storage device (USB drive, external HDD) to your new computer. If using cloud storage, ensure you've synced the backup folder to your new machine or download the files.
Navigate to the default TurboTax folder on your new computer. This is usually:
Windows:
C:\Users\[Your_Username]\Documents\TurboTaxMac:
/Users/[Your_Username]/Documents/TurboTaxIf this folder doesn't exist yet, simply create it.
Copy the entire "TurboTax" folder (or just the individual year folders containing your
.taxYYYYfiles) from your external device into theDocuments\TurboTaxfolder on your new computer. Overwrite any existing files if prompted (though this is unlikely on a fresh install).
Sub-heading 3.2: Opening Your Tax Files in TurboTax
Now for the moment of truth!
Launch TurboTax on your new computer.
On the welcome screen, you'll usually see an option like "Open a Tax Return" or "Find a Tax File". Click on this.
Navigate to the folder where you copied your tax files (
Documents\TurboTaxand then the specific year folder).Select the
.taxYYYYfile for the return you wish to open and click "Open".Verify the data: Once the return opens, quickly scan through some sections to ensure all your information is intact and appears correctly.
What if TurboTax doesn't find the files automatically? Sometimes, especially with older versions or if the file path is slightly different, TurboTax might not immediately "see" your copied files. Don't panic! Simply use the "Open a Tax Return" or "Find a Tax File" option and manually browse to the Documents\TurboTax folder on your new computer.
Step 4: Post-Migration Housekeeping (Optional but Recommended)
A few final touches can make your TurboTax experience on the new computer even better.
Sub-heading 4.1: Updating TurboTax
Always ensure your software is up-to-date.
Once you've opened a tax return (or even from the main menu), go to the Help or Online menu within TurboTax.
Look for an option like "Check for Updates" or "Download Latest Updates".
Install any available updates. This ensures you have the latest forms, calculations, and bug fixes.
If you had state programs on your old computer, you may need to download and install them again on your new computer after the federal program is updated. This can usually be done from within the TurboTax program itself when you access the "State" section.
Sub-heading 4.2: Uninstalling from the Old Computer (If Applicable)
If you are completely retiring your old computer, it's good practice to uninstall TurboTax from it. This frees up disk space and keeps your software installations tidy.
For Windows: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, find TurboTax in the list, and click "Uninstall".
For Mac: Drag the TurboTax application from your Applications folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
Congratulations!
You've successfully moved TurboTax and your valuable tax data to your new computer. With your financial information now safely transferred, you can continue your tax preparation with confidence. Remember to always keep backups of your important files!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to find my TurboTax product key if I lost the CD or purchase email?
You can usually find your product key by logging into your Intuit account on the TurboTax website under "My Downloads" or "Order History."
How to install TurboTax on a new computer without a CD drive?
If you bought the CD version but your new computer lacks a CD drive, you can usually download the software directly from the TurboTax website after logging into your Intuit account and entering your license code.
How to transfer TurboTax data files to a Mac if my old computer was a Windows PC?
The .taxYYYY files are compatible between Windows and Mac versions of TurboTax. Simply copy the files to your Mac, install the Mac version of TurboTax, and then open the files from within the Mac software.
How to ensure all state tax data transfers properly?
Ensure you copy the entire "TurboTax" folder from your old computer's Documents directory. Once TurboTax is installed on the new computer, open your federal return, and then access the state section. You may need to re-download or reinstall state programs on the new machine, but your data will be there if the .taxYYYY file was copied.
How to move TurboTax if my old computer won't turn on?
If your old computer is completely dead, you may be able to retrieve the hard drive and extract the Documents\TurboTax folder. If that's not possible, and you don't have a backup, you'll need to re-enter your data or rely on previous PDF copies if you made them.
How to transfer tax returns from TurboTax Online to the desktop version?
TurboTax Online and the desktop versions are separate. You cannot directly transfer an ongoing TurboTax Online return to the desktop software. However, you can often download a PDF copy of your completed online return and use it as a reference for a new desktop return.
How to confirm my tax data is intact after the transfer?
After opening your .taxYYYY file on the new computer, navigate through a few key sections of your return (e.g., income, deductions, credits, summary) to visually confirm that the data matches your expectations and what you had on the old computer.
How to avoid losing my TurboTax data in the future?
Regularly back up your .taxYYYY files to an external drive or cloud storage. Consider saving PDF copies of your completed returns each year.
How to deal with a "license already associated" error during activation?
This usually means your license key has already been linked to an Intuit account. Ensure you're logging into the correct Intuit account associated with your purchase. If the issue persists, contact TurboTax support for assistance.
How to transfer TurboTax business software to a new computer?
The process for TurboTax Business is very similar to the personal versions. You'll need the installer, the license key, and to copy your .taxYYYY business data files (which will also have a .tax extension, but for business). Follow the same steps as outlined for personal TurboTax.
