How to get copies of past years tax returns

[VolvoGirl]

@sullymeg   Did you use the Online version or Desktop program?  What files didn't copy over?  How did you expect them to?  You you use a flash drive and copy them?

Assuming you are asking about the Desktop program...

You only need the file ending in .tax2019 to transfer into 2020.

Your tax files end in .tax or .tax2015, .tax2016, .tax2017 or .tax2018 etc.  They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder.  You should also have the pdf files of each year.  Or search your computer for all files ending in .tax.  Also if you haven't done it,  I would open each year in the program and save it as a PDF file, go to File-Save to PDF so you don't need the program installed to view or print your return in the future like to get a mortgage or loan, etc.

What I would do is just copy the whole Turbo Tax folder that is under your Documents.  That should be where the .tax files and pdf files are stored.  Copy that folder to a flash drive or best yet is to burn it to a CD or DVD and then you will have a backup of them.   Then on the new computer copy the folder (or files) from the flash drive to your Documents folder.

The programs need to be installed from the CD or download them again.  You don't need to install them unless you need to amend or open a return.

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to File-New Tax Return).

Then go to FILE -Open and find your return.

 See this article on how to move your tax return to another computer…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-data-file/help/how-do-i-move-my-tax-data-file-to-another-compu...

[Anonymous]

I need to see 2018 documents for my total income 

[CatinaT1]

To access your current or prior year online 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)

[jstephens918]

@CatinaT1 
below is the message that continues to pop up when I try to access my 2017 tax pdf. I called TurboTax and he said I didn’t even file with them in 2017. Clearly I did because it’s in my account and I have an email confirmation from TT that I filed. So how do I get my 2017? That I paid to file. I know I can get a copy from the IRS but shouldn’t I be able to get it through TT?     

Download your past TurboTax returns

Looks like you didn't file with us last year or you filed using a TurboTax product that doesn't include access to prior-year returns.

To download your prior-year TurboTax returns, just get started with your 2019 tax return in the TurboTax product that's right for you.

[xmasbaby0]

@jstephens918

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-online-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

To get a copy of your previously filed returns prepared with online TurboTax https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-this-year-in-turbo...

[Jennad56]

I am unable to access 2014, 15, 16, or 17 without paying to file last year and 2018. They also want me to pay extra to access them when I payed for "plus" all those years. I only have one username. This is a scam. Why would I ever complete my taxes in the furture with these people?

[DoninGA]

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@Jennad56 wrote:

I am unable to access 2014, 15, 16, or 17 without paying to file last year and 2018. They also want me to pay extra to access them when I payed for "plus" all those years. I only have one username. This is a scam. Why would I ever complete my taxes in the furture with these people?

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There is no requirement for you to pay for anything to access prior year TurboTax online tax returns.

To access your current or prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID 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 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.

[billgregoryusafa]

Donin GA,

Looked like those instructions figured out how to get around TurboTax's unethical data hiding. I say this because, following those instructions, when you first arrive at the second site you can see TAX HOME and dot-dot-dots place holders where presumably prior tax years documents would be. But not long thereafter you get redirected back to their pay site. Incredibly frustrating experience to have to work this hard to get documents after paying for the tax preparation service. And I have downloaded the tax programs for the past several years and therefore have no way to reload that year's TurboTax program to get my past years tax returns that are infact saved on this computer and in the Cloud.

[VolvoGirl]

@billgregoryusafa   If you used the Desktop program the only copies are on your computer.  Did you save the pdf file each year?  If you only have the .tax2018, .tax2017 etc. files you need that year installed to open it.  Do you still have the CDs or you can download the program again?  Did you buy from Turbo Tax?  

If you need to download your program…..
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/how-do-i-download-the-software-i-purchased-at-turb...

Access your downloads here
https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/commerce/account/secure/login.jsp?pagecontext=download

After you get the program reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

If you can’t find or install the program to open a .tax file you can use www.taxprinter.com to convert a .tax file to pdf. No connection to Turbo Tax. They might be expensive.

Or get a copy from the IRS.   http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript

Or order an exact copy of your tax return (including all attachments) from the IRS. There is a fee per tax return. See http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc156.html for complete instructions

[Ksaybehrichard]

Yes I would like to get a copy of my last year tax returns 2019

[DoninGA]

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@Ksaybehrichard  wrote:

Yes I would like to get a copy of my last year tax returns 2019

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To access your current or prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID 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)

Or -

When you sign onto your online account and land on the Tax Home web page, scroll down and click on Add a state. 

This will take you back to the 2019 online tax return.

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the online program screen.  Then click on Print Center.  Then click on Print, save or preview this year's return.  Choose the option Include government and TurboTax worksheets

[xray]

Correct. Now that approach is blocked. I need my past worksheets and turbotax acts like I've never filed with them; albeit, they can pull all my personal information into the current year's forms.  Really bad service!!

[xmasbaby0]

@xray The system is presently in transition from 2019 to 2020 returns.  Until the transition is complete in early December you will not be able to access the full PDF of your 2019 return.  Every year before mid-October you should save your own return as a pdf so you can get to it whenever you need it.

On line for 2020 will open in early December and then you will be able to transfer your 2019 data to a new 2020 return.

[kimchi1]

where is My TurboTax? where is My Tax Timeline? I don't see any of these on any pages. thanks

[xmasbaby0]

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

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-online-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

To get a copy of your previously filed returns prepared with online TurboTax https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-this-year-in-turbo...