I kept my electronic filings going back to 2004. How can I open those files without the specific software?

[kbmyers]

I did not keep the software on my computer nor have a hard copy available. I always assumed I would always be able to access them.

[VolvoGirl]

Do you just have the .tax files?  Didn’t you also save them as pdf files?  You don’t need the program installed to open the PDFs.  Otherwise you would have to reinstall the CDs or download the programs again.

If you only have .tax files you can try <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.taxprinter.com">www.taxprinter.com</a> but it costs for each return and is not connected with Turbo Tax.

[Anonymous]

reinstalling cd's won't help.  updates are not available for years prior to 2015.  installing this software without the updates and then opening your return could result in computations being different from what you filed.  

[Critter]

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1.     From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).

2.     Browse to where you want to save your backup.

o    Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.

3.     In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)

4.     Click Save and then close TurboTax.

5.     Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:

·         Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device

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

·         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?

·         How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

GEN85508

Answered by  TurboTax FAQ  to  this question

[Critter]

And save a PDF ... see the prior answer links for instructions.