My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
June 6, 2019
11 replies
107 views

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xmasbaby0

Level 15

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive. They are not stored online. If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $50, an actual copy of the return.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Contact your state for copies of previous state returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Thomasmass

Level 2

Before the lost data is overwritten, you can use the data recovery tool to scan the crashed hard drive to recover the tax return documents. Of course, there are also some specialized data recovery companies that do data recovery for crashed hard drives. However, the price may be more expensive.

ravishah2

Level 2

what do you loose if Turbotax failed load the info frm the 2018 year's return, but I do have the transcript. Hard drive crashed, and I had no way to recover the data since i rebuild the OS and rewrite with other information. Didn't realize that my tax 2018 files were on it since I thought i have it on my USB drive.

Long story short, what does TurboTax need from Previous year's return to complete the return for 2019? Does PDF from IRS or Transcript would do me any good?

LindseyLO

Level 12

Yes, you made need your AGI. Your information from your transcript will suffice for filing your 2019 return. It will include any information you may need.

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