Importing using TaxAct® Online is a quick and easy process. TaxAct Online will allow users to import from TaxAct Online returns, TaxAct Desktop returns, and PDF files created with another software program.

Important. When importing a prior year return, the result will be a brand new return with only imported data and anything previously entered in the new return will be overwritten.

Also, you must import FIRST and then enter data into the new return. Importing is not possible for an account after an extension has been filed or the return has been printed.

Importing Prior Year TaxAct Online

1. From within your TaxAct Basic+, Deluxe+, Premier+, or Self-Employed+ return click Basic Info in the left column. On smaller devices, click the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner, then choose Basic Info.
2. Click the Import link directly under Basic Info.
3. In the first drop-down menu, choose "Import from the current account" or "Import from another account (sign in required)". If you choose the second option, you must enter your prior year username and password and answer a security question. If you have forgotten your username or password to last year's return, click "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password".*
4. In the second dropdown menu, choose the return you wish to import.
5. Click Import Last Year's Return.

At any time, you can click Continue Without Importing to enter your information manually.

*If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your account, you may contact TaxAct Customer Service with your full name and zip code, both the old and new email addresses, last four of the primary taxpayer's SSN, and the answer to the security question you chose when you created the account. Once we receive the correct information and can verify the account we will be more than happy to change the email address listed on the account to allow you to recover your information.

Importing Prior Year TaxAct Desktop Return

1. From within your TaxAct Basic+, Deluxe+, Premier+, or Self-Employed+ return click Basic Info. On smaller devices, click the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner, then choose Basic Info.
2. Click the Import link directly under Basic Info.
   
3. At the bottom of the import screen, click import your 2017 Desktop return.
4. Click Upload File to browse your computer for your 2017 Desktop return file. 2017 TaxAct returns will be named with a ".ta7" file extension.
5. Click Import Last Year's Return to complete the import
   
   Note: If information has been entered already in your return, all previously entered data will be overwritten. In this case, you will be given a warning pop-up message. Accept it to continue the import and overwrite your previous entries.

Importing from PDF

1. From within your TaxAct Basic+, Deluxe+, Premier+, or Self-Employed+ return click Basic Info. On smaller devices, click the menu icon in the upper left-hand corner, then choose Basic Info.
2. Click the Import link directly under Basic Info.
   
3. At the bottom of the import screen, click Import basic info from a 2017 PDF copy.
4. At the next screen, click the Import My 2017 Return button if you have a PDF copy of your 2017 tax return.
5. Drag and drop the PDF file into the Select a PDF window or click Browse from your computer.
6. In the pop-up window, locate your PDF return file saved from last year's return and click Open.

If you decide not to import at any time, click the Continue Without Importing button.