2016 .tax file

[rickmcgee]

I used turbotax online for my 2016 taxes and now I need to amend them.  I have downloaded the windows version of turbotax for that year, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to download the .tax file needed to use it.  Any help is appreciated.

[DoninGA]

To access your current or prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download .tax file

[rickmcgee]

I did that and it takes me here.  I don't want the .pdf, I want .tax file.  My apologies if I'm missing something obvious, but it's not clear to me how or what I'm registering.  I already paid to use the online version in 2016 and now just want the .tax file.  

To download your past TurboTax returns, you need to register your account first.  Then these instructions appear, but I can't find the options they are referencing:

7828 helpful votes

How do I access a prior year return?

You’ll need to register first if you don’t already have access to your prior year returns under Your tax returns & documents as you sign in to TurboTax.

Before starting, make sure you’re using the same TurboTax account (with the same username) as previous years.

To access:

1. Choose TurboTax Free Edition when starting if you haven't already done so.
2. Follow the screens and provide some personal info. 
3. When you’ve reached the Personal info summary screen, select Continue.
4. Then, select File in the left-hand menu (this is just a step in order to register, you won’t actually be filing).
5. Continue until you get to Review your order and select Start.
6. Select View payment options.
7. Then continue until you get to the registration screen.
8. Enter your info and select Register, then Continue.
9. Go to Tax Home in the left-hand menu.
10. Under Your tax returns & documents, go to Download/print return (PDF) (select Show if not visible).

[DoninGA]

If you did not use the TurobTax online editions for tax year 2018 or you only used the Free online edition then the requirement is that you start a 2019 tax return, upgrade and pay for the Plus edition and then you should be able to access the prior year return and download the tax data file.

Since you are having this difficulty in registering, it would be best for you to contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem.  And Yes I agree it should be easier than this just to get the tax data file.

Use this website to contact TurboTax support during business hours - https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/
Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[TweetieDrive]

@DoninGA I'm having the same exact issue. Even when I upgrade, I still get the error. Unfortunately, I can not pay to see if it works because it says pay after you file.  I am filing my 2018 return late, but finished 90% of it using turbotax. I've gone ahead and purchased the 2018 desktop version, but it would be nice if I could download the .tax file so that I don't have to start from scratch. Hopefully someone over the phone can help. I do plan to use turbotax for 2019, but have an urgent need to complete my taxes now.

@rickmcgee  Were you able to successfully download your previous .tax file?