Can I restore from PDF?

[user17607451626]

While I was working on my 2024 tax return I saved PDF files, but the battery died before I could save the 2024.tax file. After charging the computer, no file was found to recover. Can I open from PDF?

[Mike9241]

no. only extremely limited data can be recovered from a PDF. if you are using a windows computer there should be a backup file in the c:\users\users_name\ documents\turbotax folder.  it starts with a tilde ~.  the old file might be in the recycle bin. Turbotax creates a backup file when you open your tax return. so if you decide not to save it or discard it, the previous version should exist. on the other hand, if it's in the recycle bin, the latest changes might be there. 

[VolvoGirl]

Are you on Windows or Mac?  The only thing  you can do with a PDF file is Transfer it into the NEXT year and then it only transfers limited info like your name, ssn, address, AGI .  You can not open a pdf in the same year program at all.    So you would need a 2023 pdf file to Transfer into a new 2024 return.  

But yes you should have a Tilde file.    If you don't have the main .tax file you might have one that starts with a Tilde sign ~ like "~your name.tax2024".   That file is if your computer crashes or your real file gets lost or deleted or corrupt so you can restore it.

Search your whole computer for all files ending in .tax2024.    And check the recycle bin and your backups. Check in the Admin User Account, One Drive, Drop Box, etc.   It should be in your Documents then in the Turbo Tax folder.