Transitioning to a new computer can be exciting, but when it comes to essential software like TurboTax, the process can seem a bit daunting. Don't worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of transferring your TurboTax program and critical tax data to your new machine, ensuring a smooth and stress-free tax season.
Ready to make the move? Let's get started!
Imagine this: You've just unboxed your shiny new computer, and you're eager to get everything set up. But then it hits you – all your past tax returns and the TurboTax program itself are on your old machine. Panic sets in, right? Well, take a deep breath, because transferring TurboTax isn't as complicated as it might seem. We'll break it down into manageable steps, making sure you don't miss a single crucial detail.
Transferring Your TurboTax Program to a New Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide
It's important to understand that you're not physically "transferring" the TurboTax program itself in the same way you might move a document. Instead, you'll be reinstalling the program on your new computer and then migrating your tax data files. This process ensures you have a clean, optimized installation on your new system.
Step 1: Preparation is Key – Gather Your Essentials
Before you even touch your new computer, a little preparation on your old one will save you a lot of headaches.
1.1 Locate Your TurboTax Product Key/License Code
This is absolutely crucial. Your product key is typically a 16-character alphanumeric code that validates your software.
For CD/DVD Purchases: Check the CD case or packaging. It's usually on a sticker or printed directly on the sleeve.
For Downloaded Purchases:
Intuit Account: Log in to your Intuit account on the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com). Go to "My Downloads" or "Products and Billing" to find your purchase history and product key.
Email Confirmation: Search your email for the purchase confirmation from TurboTax or Intuit. The product key is often included there.
Lost It? Don't Panic! If you can't find your product key, contact TurboTax Support. They may be able to retrieve it for you, especially if you registered your software.
1.2 Back Up Your Tax Data Files (.tax files)
Your actual tax returns are saved as separate data files, usually with a .taxYYYY extension (e.g., .tax2023 for your 2023 return). These are separate from the program itself.
Locate Your Files:
Windows: By default, TurboTax saves your tax files in your "Documents" folder, within a "TurboTax" subfolder (e.g.,
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\TurboTax).Mac: They are typically in your "Documents" folder or within your user folder.
Pro Tip: Use your computer's search function and look for
*.taxor*.tax2023(or the relevant year).
Save Them Securely:
External USB Drive/Flash Drive: This is the most common and reliable method. Copy the entire "TurboTax" folder (or just the
.taxfiles) to a USB drive.Cloud Storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox): If you use cloud storage, upload your
.taxfiles there. Ensure they are synced before proceeding.Email (as a last resort for individual files): You could email individual
.taxfiles to yourself, but this is less ideal for large numbers of files or entire folders due to attachment size limits.
1.3 Consider Saving PDF Copies of Your Returns
While your .tax files are essential for transferring data to new TurboTax installations, having PDF copies of your filed returns is always a good idea. This allows you to view or print your returns without needing the TurboTax program installed.
Open each return in your old TurboTax program.
Go to File > Save to PDF.
Choose a destination for the PDF, ideally within the same folder as your
.taxfiles, or a separate "Tax Return PDFs" folder on your external drive/cloud. Save both the "tax return for filing" and the "tax return with all forms and worksheets" PDFs.
Step 2: Install TurboTax on Your New Computer
Now that you've secured your product key and tax data, it's time to get TurboTax running on your new machine.
2.1 Download or Install from CD
If you purchased a CD: Insert the TurboTax CD into your new computer's optical drive (if it has one). The installer should launch automatically. If not, navigate to the CD drive in "This PC" or "My Computer" and run
setup.exeorinstall.exe.If you downloaded the software (or your new computer lacks a CD drive):
Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Log in to your Intuit account.
Navigate to "My Downloads" or "Products and Billing" and find the TurboTax version you purchased.
Download the installer file to your new computer.
Locate the downloaded file (usually in your "Downloads" folder) and double-click it to begin the installation.
2.2 Follow the On-Screen Installation Prompts
The installation wizard will guide you through the process.
Accept the license agreement when prompted.
You might be asked to choose an installation location; the default is usually fine.
When prompted, enter your 16-character product key/license code that you found in Step 1.1. This activates your software on the new computer.
Allow the installation to complete. This may take a few minutes.
2.3 Update TurboTax (Important!)
Once the installation is complete, launch TurboTax on your new computer. Before opening any tax files, it's crucial to update the program.
TurboTax will typically prompt you to download updates upon first launch. Allow it to do so.
If it doesn't, look for an "Update" or "Check for Updates" option within the program's menu (often under "Help" or "Online").
Ensure all available updates, including any state program updates, are installed. This ensures compatibility and the latest forms. You might even need to start a "dummy" new return to enable the state program download if you need it.
Step 3: Transfer Your Tax Data Files to the New Computer
With the TurboTax program installed and updated, it's time to bring over your precious tax data.
3.1 Copy Your Saved Tax Files
Connect your external USB drive (or access your cloud storage) that contains your backed-up
.taxfiles from Step 1.2.Navigate to the folder where your
.taxfiles are stored on your USB drive or cloud.Copy these files (or the entire "TurboTax" folder) to the Documents > TurboTax folder on your new computer. This is the default location where TurboTax expects to find your tax files.
3.2 Open Your Existing Tax Returns in TurboTax
Launch TurboTax on your new computer.
On the initial "Welcome" screen, or within the program, look for an option like "Open a Tax Return" or "Find a Tax File."
Browse to the "Documents > TurboTax" folder on your new computer where you copied your
.taxfiles.Select the
.taxfile you wish to open. It will typically have a file extension like.tax2023.TurboTax should open the selected return, allowing you to pick up exactly where you left off or review past returns.
3.3 Verify and Test
Open a few of your important tax returns (especially the most recent one) to ensure they load correctly and all the data appears as expected.
If you plan to prepare a new return for the current tax year, ensure TurboTax can import information from your prior year's return.
Important Considerations & Tips
TurboTax Desktop License: Most desktop versions of TurboTax allow you to install the software on up to five computers you own. This means you generally don't need to "deactivate" it from your old computer before installing on the new one.
Older TurboTax Versions: While you can transfer your data files for older years, reinstalling older versions of the TurboTax program itself can sometimes be problematic, especially with newer operating systems. TurboTax typically only provides full support (updates, state downloads) for the last three tax years. Always ensure you have saved PDF copies of all your important past returns!
Mac to Windows (and vice-versa): If you're switching operating systems, you'll need to purchase and install the correct version of TurboTax for your new OS (Mac vs. Windows). Your
.taxdata files are generally compatible across platforms, but the program installer is not.Don't Delete Prematurely! Do NOT uninstall TurboTax or delete your tax files from your old computer until you have successfully installed the program and verified that all your tax data is accessible and correct on your new machine.
Cloud Version (TurboTax Online): If you use TurboTax Online, there's no program to transfer! Simply log in to your account from your new computer, and all your data will be there. This guide is primarily for the desktop (CD/download) versions.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about transferring TurboTax:
How to locate my TurboTax product key if I bought a digital download?
You can usually find your product key by logging into your Intuit account on the TurboTax website under "My Downloads" or "Products and Billing," or by checking your purchase confirmation email.
How to transfer my TurboTax data files if I don't have a USB drive?
You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to upload your .tax files from your old computer and then download them to your new one.
How to open a prior year's tax return on my new computer if I only installed the current year's TurboTax?
The current year's TurboTax software can generally open and read .tax files from previous years. Just use the "Open a Tax Return" function and navigate to your old .tax file. However, you might not be able to amend older returns without the specific year's software.
How to ensure my state tax information is transferred correctly?
Your state tax information is typically embedded within your federal .tax file. After installing and updating TurboTax on your new computer, ensure you also download and install the relevant state program within TurboTax before opening your state return.
How to transfer TurboTax from a Mac to a Windows PC (or vice versa)?
You cannot directly transfer the program across operating systems. You'll need to purchase and install the appropriate TurboTax version for your new OS. Your .tax data files are generally cross-compatible and can be moved over.
How to deal with old TurboTax versions not supported by Intuit anymore?
For older versions no longer supported, it's highly recommended to have saved PDF copies of those returns. While you might be able to install very old software, it won't receive updates or support for e-filing or amendments.
How to reactivate TurboTax on my new computer if my product key seems used up?
TurboTax desktop licenses usually allow installation on up to five computers you own. If you encounter an "already activated" error, first double-check you've entered the key correctly. If the issue persists, contact TurboTax Support for assistance, providing your product key and purchase details.
How to find the default location of my TurboTax data files?
On Windows, they are usually in C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\TurboTax. On Mac, they are typically in your "Documents" folder or user folder. You can also use your computer's search function for *.tax files.
How to save a PDF copy of my tax return for easy access later?
Open your completed tax return in TurboTax, then go to File > Save to PDF. You'll usually have options to save just the forms for filing or all forms and worksheets. Save both for comprehensive records.
How to transfer my TurboTax program if my old computer is broken?
If your old computer is completely inaccessible, you'll need to re-download the TurboTax program from your Intuit account on their website (using your login credentials). For your tax data files, if you haven't backed them up, they might be irrecoverable unless you used TurboTax Online. This highlights the critical importance of regular backups!
