If you are using the Classic, Self‑Employed, or Premium editions of the program, you can transfer certain information from your prior‑year return into your current‑year return. This helps you avoid re‑entering details that do not change from year to year.
Important: Prior‑year data does not carry over in the Free Edition. To use this feature, you must upgrade to Classic, Self‑Employed, or Premium.
To pull prior‑year information, you must log in using the same account (username) you used last year.
When You Log In
When you sign in to the same account used for your prior‑year return, you will be prompted to begin your current‑year return. Early in the setup process, you will see an option to “Pull Data to Current Return.”
Select this option to transfer eligible information from your prior‑year return.
What Information Can Be Pulled Forward?
You can transfer general information such as:
- Dependents
- W‑2 items
- Form 1099‑R items
- Schedule B items
- Schedule C
- Schedule D
- Schedule E
- Schedule F
- Form 2441 care provider information
- Bank account details (for direct deposit or electronic payment)
- State refund worksheet details
Automatic carryover (if your prior return was e‑filed and accepted)
- Prior‑year PIN
- Prior‑year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
These are used to electronically sign your return.
What does not carry over?
- Numeric amounts such as income, withholding, or refund amounts
These change each year and must be re‑entered.
What If I Already Started My Return?
If you began your return before pulling prior‑year data:
- Select the account icon in the top‑right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Payment History.
- Return Options
- Look for the Prior Year Data Import option.
- Choose which forms you want to import from your prior‑year return.