melsphotos wrote:
2018 was free edition. So I need to find out how to simply get the 2017 returns downloaded.
"how to simply get..."
Unfortunately it's not simple. You have to jump through some hoops to upgrade and pay. I've provided the steps below.
Have you located the 2017 return in the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents", and when you try to download the 2017 return PDF, does it tell you access is locked until you pay? And has your 2018 Free Edition return already been filed? And is the 2018 return in the same account as the 2017 return?
If all of the above is your situation, then the following steps are how to open up your filed 2018 return, upgrade it to PLUS, and pay 19.99 to unlock a 2017 return that was prepared in Free Edition.
NOTE: When you open your 2018 return back up, do not make any changes in it since it's already been filed.
- Log in and go to "Your Tax Returns & Documents." Click that line or on the word SHOW to expand that section.
- Choose 2018 tax year.
- Click on "Add a State." (you don't really add one. That's just to open your return back up.)
- Once the return is open, then go to the left menu column and click on Upgrade.
- On the Upgrade screen choose PLUS. CAUTION: If PLUS is grayed out, that means you are already in PLUS. Do NOT upgrade any farther than PLUS, or you'll have problems.
- Once you are in PLUS, then you need to pay.
- In the left menu column click on TAX TOOLS, then PRINT CENTER.
- At the Print Center choose to "Print, save, view THIS YEAR's return." (Yes, you say "this year's" because you are paying for the 2018 return upgrade to unlock the 2017 return.) You don't actually have to print the 2018 return.
- It will then ask you to pay. If the Order Summary appears OK, then choose PAY NOW.
- You can pay by credit card or debit card (even though it only says "credit.") If it should offer you the choice of paying later out of the Federal refund, that cannot be done for this purpose. You have to choose PAY NOW.
NOTE: Remember all PDF tax documents and tax data files are very sensitive files, since they contain your personal ID info, financial data, and possibly bank account numbers, etc. Be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.
There's also a free option if a return transcript will suit your purpose. You may be able to immediately download one at the IRS website if you qualify to open an IRS account there. Otherwise, to order a transcript to come by postal mail takes 5-10 calendar days.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
