Can't Download 2020 Return

[Benpercent]

Hi all!

I'm required to go to a branch of the IRS this year to verify my identity so they'll finally send me my refund, and before the appointment I have to gather together two forms of ID and the last 2-3 years worth of tax returns. On the latter I forgot exactly how many they need, but I thought I'd bring up to 2019 or so to be safe.

However, I very specifically can't download the PDF for 2020, but all the other years I have PDFs available. Why is 2020 different? How can I get the file?

I'm only on mobile, so I don't think I can't download an application that would let me open .tax files, and I don't see how to contact customer support.

Then again, maybe I don't need all those tax returns seeing as I'm only verifying identity and not getting audited or someone. Can anyone verify or correct my memory of the requirements? Thank you!

[xmasbaby0]

Maybe you used a different account for 2020.   Many users have multiple accounts.  

  You have to access your own account and/or  print it for yourself using exactly the same account and user ID that you used when you prepared the return.

Start a 2023 return online and enter some personal information  so that the menu on the left opens up and lets you access your past year returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/270...

Many people have multiple TT accounts and forget how to access them.  Log out of the account you are in now.

Account Recovery

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535-forgot-your-turbotax-online-user-id-or-password

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

Or did you use the desktop version of TurboTax?  If so, the files are on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/find-last-year-tax-data-file-...

You can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $30, an actual copy of your tax return.

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

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

SAVE YOUR TAX RETURN !

EVERY year before mid-October you should save a copy of your tax return as a pdf and print a copy of it for your records.  That way you will not be searching online frantically when you need it for a lender, FAFSA forms, your next tax return, etc. 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900937-why-should-i-save-a-pdf-copy-of-my-return

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899779-what-s-the-difference-between-the-tax-data-file-and-the-pd...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912466-how-do-i-save-my-return-as-a-pdf-in-the-turbotax-software-... •

NOTE:  TurboTax and the IRS save returns for seven years.  Returns older than seven years are purged.

[Benpercent]

I followed the steps to verify all my accounts, but it turns out there's only one TurboTax account. When I complete my taxes it's either on the app on my phone or through the website on a laptop (no downloaded software).

I'm able to see the list of all my past returns, but a select few (including 2020) don't offer a PDF; only a .tax file.

[DoninGA]

@Benpercent Then you will need to contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem with the 2020 PDF.

Support is open from 5am to 5pm Pacific time, Monday thru Friday

See this TurboTax support FAQ for contacting support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/account-management/turbotax-phone-number...

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[fanfare]

I recieved the same letter to appear in person.

The IRS person just asked for my current printed tax return to compare against the account record, and my driver's license.

All the work to put the prior years in a folder was for nothing.

@Benpercent