switching from turbotax online to desktop

[ginafromomena]

I'm having the same issue.  I've used TT online for the past several years.  I chose the desktop version this year because I like to be able to review the forms that the software is creating.  I've had issues in the past with form errors that were never apparent during the process.  At any rate, when I follow the instructions in the desktop version to retrieve my previous TT data, I get an error.

It would be easier to switch to a competitors software and retrieve the data than it is to retrieve it within the turbotax platform

[TurboTaxVeronique]

Unfortunately, you can't import your previous taxes year's data from TurboTax Online to TurboTax Desktop. TurboTax Online can't export anything other than a PDF file, and TurboTax Desktop can't open PDF files. Only .ttxx files. 

Because this will be your 1st year using TurboTax Desktop, you'll have to enter information manually, but with future years, you'll be able to import data from the .ttxx file saved on your computer.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

[Kayhussani1]

I have been going through the same issue but when I was searching for a solution I found that you can request your data for past years from TurboTax so I did that after five days I received a link to download my data file when I unzipped the file all are pdf files I was very disappointed.

[gbcooper]

So here we are a year later in 2025 and while in my local Costco, I was looking at the Intuit TurboTax (Standard) for the 2024 tax year. Guess what? There is STILL NO mention of incompatibility with online  TurboTax files from a previous year.  (See product pictures below.)

Did someone forget to update the terms and conditions? Based on the numerous similar complaints in this discussion thread, it seems that a more accurate account of limitations needs to be included either on the desktop software end or the online version end. Or at BOTH ends. 

Lesson learned. I'll be choosing my tax software a little more carefully this year. 
Happy 2025!
Regards,

Greg

[ewak]

So if I have a .tt file from a 2023 tax return and am switching to turbotax online for 2024 return,  can I import the .tt file from 2023 to start or needs to be manual again?

[TurboTaxAniqua]

@ewak You can import the .tt file from 2023 Desktop Version to your TurboTax Online version. Select the option 'TurboTax Download/ CD' (as shown below) When you get to this page. Please make sure you are log into TurboTax Online from the same device on which you have the back up file saved.

[gbcooper]

Thank you for your reply, but this whole thread was about going in the opposite direction ie: going from the online version to the desktop version, which still cannot be done.

And there is still no information on the desktop version packaging warning buyers of this limitation.

Regards,

Greg

[TurboTaxAniqua]

@gbcooper Your feedback is important to us and will be passed on to the assigned department. 

[YOW18]

it is easy to switch from desk top to online,  but not the other way around.

( thanks to Greg, who help me understand this problem)

when using online , and start a new return ,  you are able to import all data that is saved in your computer.

if i am not wrong, you click file button , =>   new return, and then choose file from your saved computer.

[TurboTaxVeronique]

@YOW18 You are right! You can import your data from a Desktop version, if the ttxx file is on the computer you are working on for Online version.