TurboTax Desktop

[mk313]

I switched from the online version of TurboTax to the desktop software version last year (I forget the reasons, but there's something on the desktop version that makes it a better deal for me).

Now that 2021 has rolled around, do you know if I need to keep all of the old versions on my computer in case I ever need to re-open my old taxes. For example, can the 2021 version open my 2020 tax file? I know that online, I could view them all at any time, just not sure how to achieve the same thing using the desktop software.

Thanks,

 

[outis16]

Depends on what you want to do:

• When you start this year's return, TT will offer to import relevant data from the previous year's data file, if you have it.
• When you finish this year's return, TT will also offer to save everything, including worksheets, as a PDF for your record. On a Mac you can also save anything you choose to print individually as a PDF, of course.
• If you want to go back to revise or run alternate scenarios on the return for a previous year (I occasionally do this for estimated tax purposes, for instance), you'll need to keep a copy that year's software (as long as you can, anyway--eventually they'll age out of the OS you're running).

 

[mk313]

Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for.

 

[NoBoMac]

If you want to go back to revise or run alternate scenarios on the return for a previous year (I occasionally do this for estimated tax purposes, for instance), you'll need to keep a copy that year's software (as long as you can, anyway--eventually they'll age out of the OS you're running)

This as well for amending old returns.

But, if you buy downloadable version vs boxed, can always re-download the program for previous years. Either via your TT account (if bought there) or other (in my case, Amazon Digital: cheaper than TT site). So can delete when done, in this use case.

 

[outis16]

Indeed, although I think the current year's version will amend the previous year's return. Could be wrong, haven't needed to do that for years.

 

[mk313]

This as well for amending old returns.

But, if you buy downloadable version vs boxed, can always re-download the program for previous years. Either via your TT account (if bought there) or other (in my case, Amazon Digital: cheaper than TT site). So can delete when done, in this use case.

Thanks, I forget the exact reason why, but I switched from the online version last year, after using it for several years. Not looking to go back there, which is why I was wondering about the desktop version.

Good point about Amazon digital though. That's where I bought it from last year & it makes sense to go that route again, as you can always re-download it from them again I the future if need be.

 

[Weaselboy]

Indeed, although I think the current year's version will amend the previous year's return. Could be wrong, haven't needed to do that for years.

It does... around 2010 I amended 2007, 2008, and 2009 using the latest 2010 version.

 

[HDFan]

an always re-download the program for previous years.

There is a caveat though. I lost the software key for some really old versions . Called Turbotax support and they told me they couldn't supply one. Directed me to search for one on the web.

In most cases saving the efiled forms as a pdf works. Just got my 2019 refund after it got hung up in tax payer protection. Had a long call with them and they asked a lot of questions about line items which I had entered on my return. Pulled up the efiled saved pdf and was able to give them the correct answers so they could release the form for processing.

TT will offer to import relevant data from the previous year's data file,

Best reason to keep the TT file for at least the previous year.

 

[NoBoMac]

There is a caveat though. I lost the software key for some really old versions

True that. My Amazon account only lists current and two previous version's product keys.

I also do a screen grab of the product key and save it in the archive (tax file, PDFs, supporting docs, etc) I make at the end of tax season.