My TurboTax Cart
Home > Support > Transfer from last year > Transferring last year's tax files in TurboTax
TurboTax Support
Search
Print

Transferring last year's tax files in TurboTax

Updated: 3/29/2013
Article ID: GEN12073

Transferring your data from last year's tax return file makes tax preparation even easier!

Note: Although the terms "transferring" and "importing" are often used interchangeably, importing pulls data from an outside source as opposed to last year's return. More about importing.

 
 

What cannot transfer into TurboTax 2012?

Tax returns prepared before tax year 2011
You can only transfer information from the previous tax year; you can't skip years. For example, you can't transfer 2009 or 2010 tax information into TurboTax 2012.

Tax returns in PDF format (TurboTax Online)
It is not possible to transfer from a PDF file in TurboTax Online. On the other hand, TurboTax CD/Download software supports PDF file transfer. More info

Information from a different main form
You cannot, for example, transfer data from a corporate (Form 1120) return into a partnership (Form 1065) or individual (Form 1040) return. You can, however, transfer data between 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ returns.

ProSeries or Lacerte tax preparation software
TurboTax cannot transfer information from ProSeries or Lacerte programs; however, these programs will accept TurboTax data transferred to them.

Multiple returns
You can only transfer information from a single tax return. For example, if a newly-married couple filed as individuals last year, but plan to file a joint return this year, they will only be able to transfer one spouse's return into this year's joint return.

TurboTax Online Free Edition
Tax files created in TurboTax CD/Download software versions cannot be uploaded to TurboTax Online Free Edition.

TurboTax Freedom Edition
TurboTax doesn't allow you to transfer to or from Freedom Edition.

What does transfer over?

Personal information

  • Name, address, and filing status
  • Social Security number
  • Adjusted Gross Income
  • Dependent information
  • Bank information for direct deposit of tax refunds

Business information (only if transferring from data files, not PDF files)

  • Employer's name and address
  • Partnerships, S corporations, estates, or trusts that you have an interest in
  • Deduction descriptions such as medical expenses and the names of charities
  • Form 1099 payer information (banks, stocks, mutual funds, retirement accounts, etc.)
  • Depreciable items such as cars, equipment, and buildings
  • Business-use information
  • Passive-loss carryovers
  • Schedule C, including ending inventory (for self-employed people)
  • Schedule E (for rental property owners)
  • Schedule F, including ending inventory (for people involved in farming or fishing)

Carryover amounts  (only if transferring from data files, not PDF files)

  • Overpayments applied to your 2012 tax liability
  • Contribution carryover amounts
  • Credit carryover amounts
  • State and local tax carryover amounts
  • Capital loss carryovers

How do I transfer?

Select the version you're transferring to for complete instructions:

Although these two procedures do not involve transferring, we've included them here for convenience:

 

Related Articles:
Did This Article Answer Your Question?
Did this article answer your question?
Yes, it did...  
No, it didn't...
Your Feedback
Cancel Submit
Contact Us