You can save time by importing last year's return into this year's return. TaxAct Online allows users to import TaxAct Online returns, TaxAct Desktop returns, and PDF files created in another tax program. When you import a prior year return, anything previously entered in the current return will be overwritten. You need to import the prior year return, then edit your current year return. You can't import the prior year return if you already printed or filed the current year return.

How to import a prior year return in the TaxAct Online program:

Import TaxAct Online return:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online), click Basic Info, then click Data Import (on smaller devices, click in the top left corner of your screen, then click Basic Info).
2. Click the Select a 2020 tax return dropdown, click the return you want to import, then click Transfer.
3. If you already entered data in the current return, you will be notified that importing a prior-year return will override that data.  Click Yes, Import Last Year's Data.

Import TaxAct Desktop return:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online), click Basic Info, then click Data Import (on smaller devices, click  in the top left corner of your screen, then click Basic Info).
2. Below Did you use TaxAct Desktop last year?, click import your 2020 Desktop return.
3. Click Yes to confirm that you have your TaxAct Desktop 2020 (*.ta0) file from last year.
4. If a Warning: Importing a return will overwrite all previously entered data. Do you wish to continue? pop-up appears, click Ok.
5. Continue with the interview process to complete your prior year import.

Import a PDF from a different tax program:

• Go to our Importing from Another Tax Program FAQ