Note. These instructions apply only to our Desktop Consumer products. If you use TaxAct Online, your files are stored on our secure servers and can be accessed by any supported device.

To transfer TaxAct to a new computer:

1. Install TaxAct, from download, on the new computer.
2. Copy your return files from the old computer using a flash drive, external drive, DVD/CD or network connection.

Install TaxAct on the New Computer

Follow the instructions for Downloading and Installing TaxAct. Note. Copying the whole program (program files) from one computer to another will not work; there are file associations and registry settings that are created during the installation process. Once purchased, you can re-download TaxAct at any time, which eliminates the need to transfer program and installation-related files.

Copying Return Files to New Computer

Use Windows Explorer (File Explorer in Windows 10) to copy your return files to the correct location. You can access Windows Explorer by holding down the Windows logo key and tapping E (Windows logo + E). Copy the files to the same directory on the destination computer once you have installed the software there. We recommend using the default installation locations for this reason among others.

For additional information on copying files, please consult Microsoft Support.

Should you have difficulty opening a file once it is on the new computer, you should use Windows Explorer again to make sure that the Read-only attribute is not checked on your return file. To view File Attributes, highlight the file, right-click the file to bring up the pop-up menu, and then choose Properties.

Location of TaxAct Return Files

TaxAct tax return files have a file extension of .taX where X is the last digit of the tax year. Returns for 2018 have a file extension of .ta8, 2017 returns have a file extension of .ta7, and so on. For more detailed instructions, see Locating Return Files - Consumer Editions