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Level 1
posted Oct 7, 2022 9:23:50 AM

Is there a way to retrieve a filed return that I saved on another laptop?

I had used the desktop version.  The previous laptop has a fried motherboard, I cannot access anything on it.  I retrieved from the IRS the return transcript.  But I would like to get the actual return.  Does TurboTax have a way?  Thank you.

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2 Replies
Level 15
Oct 7, 2022 9:25:06 AM

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

Level 15
Oct 7, 2022 9:26:55 AM

No, sorry.  If you  used the Desktop program the only copy is on that computer and any  backups you made.  Maybe you can take the hardrive out and put it in an external enclosure and access it?  If the motherboard is crashed the HD might still be ok.  Take it to a shop to try to get the stuff off the hard drive.