First time using FreeTaxUSA after switching from TurboTax - data transfer questions

The reason you're not seeing your 2023 data in your 2024 FreeTaxUSA return is because FreeTaxUSA only carries forward information from returns that were actually filed through their platform. Since you just entered your 2023 information as a test but didn't file through them, the system doesn't recognize that data as an official prior year return. This is actually pretty common across tax software platforms - they typically only pull data from returns they've processed completely through filing. The comparison summary features specifically depend on having filed your previous year's taxes through their system. If you want year-over-year comparisons, you'll need to either manually compare your 2023 and 2024 returns yourself or make sure to file through FreeTaxUSA this year so next year's return will have the automatic comparison features.

After years of having the same issue with tax software, I stumbled on taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was honestly a game changer for me. When I switched from TurboTax to FreeTaxUSA last year, I was frustrated about losing all my historical data too. What I did was upload my previous returns to taxr.ai and it gave me this awesome summary showing all my important numbers across multiple years. It parsed all the forms automatically and even flagged some deductions I'd missed. Now I use it alongside FreeTaxUSA - I file with FreeTaxUSA for the cost savings, but use taxr.ai to keep track of my tax history and year-over-year changes.

Update on my tax software situation: I decided to try taxr.ai after posting that skeptical comment, and I'm actually really impressed. I uploaded my last 3 years of returns (from both TurboTax and my one FreeTaxUSA return) and it created this comprehensive dashboard showing how my income, deductions and credits have changed over time. The comparison features are way better than what I had in TurboTax - it flagged that I had inconsistent treatment of my home office deduction and showed me exactly why my effective tax rate changed each year. It even suggested some retroactive amendments that could save me money. Their document security seems solid too - I appreciate that they don't permanently store the actual PDF files. If you're switching between tax programs and want to maintain historical comparisons, definitely check it out!

If you're having issues with FreeTaxUSA's customer service while trying to figure this out, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was trying to resolve a similar data transfer issue last month and couldn't get through to anyone on their support line - was on hold for over an hour. A friend recommended Claimyr and it changed everything. They basically call the company for you and wait on hold, then call you when a real person is on the line. You can see a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I used it to get through to FreeTaxUSA's tier 2 support (which apparently handles all the data transfer questions) and got my issue resolved in minutes once I actually had someone on the line. Saved me hours of frustration!

Ok I need to eat my words from my previous comment. I actually tried Claimyr today after frustrating myself all week trying to get through to FreeTaxUSA's support line during my lunch breaks (kept getting disconnected after 30+ minutes of waiting). The service totally works as advertised. I submitted the request, went back to work, and about 50 minutes later got a call connecting me directly to a FreeTaxUSA support agent who was already on the line. The agent had already been briefed on my basic issue so I didn't have to start from zero. Ended up saving at least an hour of active hold time plus multiple call attempts. For anyone who values their time or has a busy schedule, this service is definitely worth it. And for what it's worth, the FreeTaxUSA agent confirmed exactly what others have said - they only transfer data from returns actually filed through their system, not test runs.

Don't worry about the comparison stuff - FreeTaxUSA is still WAY better than TurboTax overall. I switched 3 years ago and even without some of the fancy features, I save about $120 every tax season. FreeTaxUSA gets the important stuff right and doesn't try to upsell you every 2 minutes. The first year after switching is the hardest because you have to re-enter everything manually. After that, it gets much easier since FreeTaxUSA will carry forward your information from year to year. Just stick with it!

Anybody else notice that FreeTaxUSA also doesn't let you import W2s directly? I tried scanning the QR code on my W2 and nothing happened. Had to enter everything manually which was kind of annoying.

I went through the exact same transition last year! The lack of year-over-year comparison was definitely frustrating at first, but honestly it's a small price to pay for the massive cost savings. One thing I found helpful was creating my own simple spreadsheet with key numbers from both years (AGI, total tax, refund amount, major deductions) so I could still see the changes. Takes maybe 10 minutes but gives you that comparison view you're missing. Also, pro tip for next year - make sure to actually file through FreeTaxUSA this time so you'll have the automatic carryover for 2025 taxes. The transition year is always the roughest, but after that it gets much smoother. You made the right choice switching - I've saved over $200 in fees since making the jump!