How can I recover a deleted tax return?

[DoninGA]

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@pgallaher wrote:

I used TurboTax Deluxe installed on my computer from a retail purchase CD. I lost the programs and file for several years of TurboTax but I really the year 2019 and I would like to recover the year 2020.

The installation CD's are destroyed so I do not have the registration / license numbers of the products.

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If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

[Mike9241]

normally the data file .tax20XX on a windows computer is stored in the user\documents\turbotax folder.  if they're lost there is no way to recover them because no online copies exist.  you can request copies of your 2019 and 2020 returns from the IRS either online or by filing form 4506-T (a transcript) or 4506 (copy of actual return $43 fee for each return)

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/transcript-types-and-ways-to-order-them 

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

contact support about the replacement of the CDs

5am-5pm Pacific Time (8-8 Eastern) Monday - Friday
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact
800-446-8848

[bdloftin]

I am working in tubotax desk top on unfinished 2020 Joint return and accidentally deleted my individual return. How to I recover it?  I don't know where to look for the recycle bin.

[bdloftin]

It was an incomplete return, not filed yet for 2020 and it said sent to recycle bin, wherever that is.

[Mike9241]

close the Turbotax program if is open. in windows 10 the should be a box that says "Type here to search" enter the words "recycle bin" without the quotes. either a window will open up listing the recycle bin. Click on the icon

or maybe it will give you the option to go on the web for instructions to access it or a window will appear with various words at the top including "apps" - click on that word. then the icon for the recycle bin. 

once you have the recycle bin open, right click with your mouse on the file with the extension .tax2020.  then move your mouse pointer to the word restore and click on it. the file should disappear and be moved back to where it was. 

[VolvoGirl]

Also if you can't find the main .tax2020 file you might have one that starts with a Tilde sign ~ like "~your name.tax2020". That file is if your computer crashes or your real file gets lost or deleted or corrupt so you can restore it.

Find your Tax file in Windows
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows/00/...

[LDE68]

I have routinely used Turbo Tax Deluxe for our taxes.  The computer I used for the last several years crashed in April, 2021.  I cannot find the printed copies of 2019 and 2020 returns.

Help!!!!

LDE68

[VolvoGirl]

@LDE68  Did you use the Desktop CD/Download program?  Then the only copies are on your computer and any backups you made.

You can request a transcript from the IRS

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

[xmasbaby0]

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.  They are not stored online.  If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

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

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

[60dakota]

Filed using turbo tax deluxe cd on my desktop

[60dakota]

I used 2020 turbo tax deluxe from a cd loaded on my desktop computer

[60dakota]

2020 tax year

[xmasbaby0]

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.  They are not stored online.  If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

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

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

[xmasbaby0]

@60dakota You have not asked a question.   If you cannot find your 2020 tax return, did you read the reply that is directly above your own post?

[Balmore89ramos]

where is mine money