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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 7:52:20 PM

How can I download my 2016 .tax file to use with my 2016 Deluxe software for an amendment change?

I have a .pdf version, but the 2016 software requires the .tax file...

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3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 7:52:22 PM

See step 4 ...

  1. Sign in at TurboTax.com with the login you used when you filed your 2016 return.
  2. Select Show to open Your tax returns & documents.
  3. Select 2016, and then select Amend (change) 2016 return.
  4. In the expanded instructions, select the links in step 1 (download your .tax file) and step 2 (download TurboTax Desktop 2016 for Windows).
  5. Install the TurboTax Desktop 2016 software. Win instructions | Mac instructions
  6. Now, open your .tax file in the TurboTax Desktop 2016 software by choosing File > Open Tax Return (Windows) or TurboTax > Open Tax Return (Mac). Browse to the location of your tax file, and then select Open.
  7. Finally, you are ready to amend your 2016 return. Follow the instructions in this FAQ.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:52:23 PM

Unfortunately, I changed my email between filing my 2016 and 2017 returns.  Now, when I click on "Download my .tax file," Turbo Tax claims: "It looks like you need to pay first to instantly access your TurboTax returns."  However, I previously had purchased the 2016 software (CD version)...

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 7:52:24 PM

Ok ... you did NOT just change your email ... you opened a separate account so ....


Since  you didn't file or pay for a 2018 program under the same account that you used for the 2016 return ... then you have 2 options.

1) Pay for the 2018 program to unlock the prior year returns 

You have to start a 2018 return using the Free edition from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/   

(If you already have the Deluxe version or better chosen then you can skip the upgrade and go straight to the payment instructions)

You must enter some basic personal information in the Personal Info section of the program.  Click Upgrade, located near the top of your screen.  In the pop-up window, scroll down to the bottom, select TurboTax Plus, and click the Upgrade Now button.  If you want to include a state program with your order click on State Taxes and complete some of the state section.

To pay for the upgrade so you can access your prior year tax returns, assuming that you signed onto your 2018 account with the exact same user ID you used for the prior returns -

To pay the TurboTax online account fees by credit card, without completing the 2018 return at this time, click on Tools at the left side of the online program screen.  Then click on Print Center.  Then click on Print, save or preview this year's return.  On the next page, to pay by credit card, click Continue.  On the next screen it will ask if you want Audit Defense, if you do not want this option just click on the Continue button.  The next screen will ask for all your credit card information so you can pay for the account.

                                                                             

2) Contact TT support and have them unlock the return since you used another account for 2016:

Use the following TurboTax website to contact TurboTax customer service/support

There will be some personal information gathered so a case can be created for you. A phone number will then be provided, specific to your case, to speak directly with a TurboTax agent.

https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

Note:  The Call option will not be available when TurboTax Support is closed.