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New Member
posted May 21, 2024 8:48:21 AM

Can I open past year Turbotax files in the current desktop software? I need to access specific W-2 info from these older returns.

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4 Replies
Level 15
May 21, 2024 8:50:04 AM

The tax data files for a prior year tax return can only be opened by the TurboTax software for the year of the data file.

Level 15
May 21, 2024 8:57:24 AM

If you purchased downloads of the software for the earlier years from TurboTax.com you can download them again and reinstall them. Years earlier than 2020 are no longer supported.


You can purchase downloads of the TurboTax software for 2020, 2021, and 2022 at this link. Earlier years are no longer available.

 

Level 15
May 21, 2024 10:17:13 AM

If you didn't save the pdf files and have the data files ending in .tax2020, .tax2021, etc.  you need the same year program to open it.  If you can't install the programs you could try the TaxPrinter service to convert a .tax file to pdf at
https://www.taxprinter.com

 

But Turbo Tax won't have the actual W2 copies, only the info you imported or manually entered from them.  So if you entered it wrong.........

Level 15
May 21, 2024 10:55:31 AM

I don't know what TaxPrinter includes in the PDF that they send you, other than the tax return itself. If you want to try them, I suggest that you first contact them and ask if the W-2s will be included. The tax return forms do not contain the detailed W-2 information.


TaxPrinter has no connection with TurboTax, and we are not making a recommendation. We're just making you aware of it.