How do I find my missing 2018 Turbo tax files

[domencic]

I started my 2018 taxes in February.  i completed the federal taxes but did not file.   Today I tried to open the 2018 turbo tax and my tax return did not show up.  I can't find anything on my hard drive but I've got a hard copy of the 2018 1040 from February.   When I open the 2018 APP, the system is forcing me to start a new return.

[ShellS]

Here's how to find a tax data file (also called a .tax file) you created in the TurboTax CD/Download software for Windows..

Please note that the data file must be opened in the software to be readable and editable – it's not the same thing as a PDF copy of your return you can print out. More info

Also, e-filing does not store copies of your return on our servers.  We're unable to retrieve tax files prepared in the TurboTax CD/download software because the data is stored locally on your computer.

Instructions:

1. Simultaneously press the Windows and E keys (or go to your Desktop and press F3) to open an Explorer window.
2. In the upper right "Search" window, type *.tax2018 (replace 2018 with the appropriate tax-year return you're looking for).
3. In the search results, copy down the tax file's location or path. By default, TurboTax saves tax files in the My Documents > TurboTax folder.
   • Tip: Don't double-click the tax file in the search results to open it, as this may cause errors.
4. After locating the path to the tax file on your computer, open your tax return using the same tax-year version of TurboTax (for example, open your 2018 return in the TurboTax 2018 program, not TurboTax 2017).
   • Lost or misplaced your CD or download? Click here for replacement options.

If you can't find the data file, it may have been saved under a different Windows account. Try repeating the instructions in any other accounts.

Related Information:

• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

[johnoetchart]

My file has been deleted!  I've followed your advice and still cannot find it.  Nothing else has vanished.  Super that I lose 4 hours of work on my own taxes due to Turbo tax.

[xmasbaby0]

@johnoetchart 

You are posting to someone else's old thread, and have not told us whether you used online TurboTax or a  desktop version either installed from a CD or downloaded--and it does make a difference in how you have to look for the tax file.

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

Account recovery

https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

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

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/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535

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

[johnoetchart]

It is a PC version from a CD.  It did not save as a *.tax2018.  I was just in it yesterday, but now after a cpu reboot and updates, the file is gone...

[tagteam]

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@johnoetchart wrote:

It is a PC version from a CD.  It did not save as a *.tax2018.  I was just in it yesterday, but now after a cpu reboot and updates, the file is gone...

---

Did you try searching your entire hard drive (as well as any external hard drives and/or flash drives)? Start by searching your C:/ drive in Explorer.

[2388Bear]

I completed by tax return using turbo tax for 2018. I wanted to bring up the copy that was left in my computer, I am unable to do that because the data has disappeared. I did not erase it or referred to the data left in my computer until now. I find that the data is no longer available to me, it has disappeared. If in fact you have a copy of my return being maintained by what ever means you use could please restore it to my system.

Rudolph A. V.

Phone # [phone number removed]

[tagteam]

@2388Bear You need to remove your name and address from your post; this is a public forum.

Use the three blue dots in the upper right side of your post and select Edit Reply.

[VolvoGirl]

@2388Bear  Did you used the Desktop program installed on your computer or the Online web version?

For Desktop can you start the program and go up to File-Open

what kind of computer?  Windows 10?  You need to find the data file ending in .tax2018.  Search your whole computer and check the Recycle Bin.

[Critter]

When you use the downloaded version it is up to YOU to safeguard your information ... nothing is stored on the TT servers even after you efile the return ...  save it to a removable storage medium also for safekeeping. 

Save a Backup Copy of Your Tax File

To save a backup copy of your tax data file (.tax file) that can be opened and read by TurboTax CD/Download software, you'll need to choose your TurboTax product:

• TurboTax CD/Download software
• TurboTax Online

Similar-sounding—but very different—is saving a copy of your tax return as a PDF file, which is like a picture or "snapshot" of your tax return that you can view or print.

PDF files cannot be opened or read by TurboTax software, which means they cannot be used for amending or troubleshooting calculation issues.

Related Information:

• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

 

Why should I save a PDF copy of my return?

Saving a copy of your return as a PDF (in addition to the proprietary tax data format TurboTax uses) lets you open, view, and print your return using the free Adobe Reader or Foxit Reader software.

This is a lifesaver if your tax data file gets corrupted or if you no longer have the TurboTax software to open it in. The government also accepts a paper-filed return printed from the PDF.

Please note that TurboTax PDF files cannot be "read" by the TurboTax software the way the tax data file can, which means they cannot be used for amending, troubleshooting calculation issues, or for full prior-year transfer capabilities.

For specific instructions, refer to the Related Information section, below.

Related Information:

• How do I save my 2018 turbotax online return as a pdf?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

[ron diba]

I wanted to reprint my 2018 federal and state tax returns. My program is missing along with the completed returns. What can I do to recover this data?

[springfever1]

I installed mojave and now I can't find my 2018 files for TurboTax Premier, downloaded last winter/spring, taxes already filed. I can open up TT but the files don't appear. I have a macpro. How/where can I find the files?

[eazgoin4]

so all my data is missing from 2018 when I go into 2018 turbo tax the only option available is start a new return.  very frustrating. tried all the steps you listed and nothing 

[DoninGA]

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@eazgoin4 wrote:

so all my data is missing from 2018 when I go into 2018 turbo tax the only option available is start a new return.  very frustrating. tried all the steps you listed and nothing 

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You have to sign onto your 2018 online account using the exact same user ID you used to create the 2018 online account.

Close all TurboTax windows on your web browser (including this one).  Copy and paste the account recovery website link onto a new web browser window and run the tool.

Use this TurboTax account recovery website to get a list of all the user ID's for an email address.  Run the tool against any email addresses you may have used - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery

If none of the user ID's received will access your 2018 account, then use the option shown in blue on the account recovery website, "Try something else"

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.

To access your prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

If you still cannot access your account, you can contact TurboTax customer service/support through their contact website during business hours.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for a contact link and hours of operation - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3401489

Submit your question/problem during business hours and then use the option for Call (a phone number will be provided for Call) to speak directly with a TurboTax agent -

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

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

[bettyking59]

I file my taxes but did not complain in I need to know how to remove it?