Print to PDF truncated filename. This bug is over 5 years old????!!!!

[JerryChicago]

I clicked Print to PDF, navigated to the folder and entered filename   1. 2025 Taxes Return Only

TT saved it as filename 1.  It truncated the rest. I found HERE, this bug has been around for 5 years!!??  Come on TT, you can do better. Let me use a Windows filename. Leaving this bug unattended for 5 years is unacceptable

[DoninGA]

When you save a PDF of a tax return from the desktop editions it will look something like this -

2024 Doe J Form 1040 Individual Tax Return_Records.pdf

Your saved forms or tax return that are saved by clicking on the File tab of the desktop editions will all have a .pdf as file extension.  What are you seeing?

[JerryChicago]

I'm seeing exactly what you describe EXCEPT before I hit Save I'm prepending a few characters to the filename. I change the filename to 1. 2024 Doe J Form 1040 Individual Tax Return_Records.pdf then click Save. The file is saved as filename 1.pdf

[DoninGA]

It is the . that causes the problem.  Remove the . after the 1 or make the . a space instead.

[JerryChicago]

That may well be but my point is:

• Save to PDF presents a standard Windows Save as box
• I entered a valid Windows filename. TT is truncating a valid filename.

You're explaining how to work around a bug. I'm reporting it as a bug, not a feature. If you could please pass it along to development.

[DoninGA]

Periods in PDF file names should only be used to separate the filename from the extension (e.g., report.pdf). Using periods elsewhere can confuse operating systems, causing file corruption, synchronization errors, or improper file type recognition. Use underscores or hyphens to separate words instead.

Key Rules for Periods in PDF Names:
Only One Period: The only period in the entire file name should be the one immediately preceding the .pdf extension.
Avoid in Name Body: Do not use periods within the name itself (e.g., use Project_Draft1.pdf, not Project.Draft.1.pdf).
Avoid at Start: Never start a filename with a period, as this can make the file hidden on some systems.
Use Alternatives: Use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) to separate words, dates, or version numbers.
Case Sensitivity: While periods are not allowed, ensure consistency, as some systems are sensitive to capitalization.

Example of Good vs. Bad Practice:
Good: 2026-04-01_ClientReport_v2.pdf
Bad: 2026.04.01.Client.Report.v2.pdf

[JerryChicago]

I beg to differ. 

• Windows naming rules say: A period and extension are on the end of a filename
• However, Windows rules do not restrict use of a period toward the start of the filename especially when an extension is already at the end. (It only restricts use of period as the very first character)
• I routinely use Word, Excel, Adobe and other s/w products to save files with names like 1. xxxx.pdf. Never an issue. The only product I found with this problem is TurboTax.
• If Microsoft's own products nor Adobe PDF restrict use of period at the start of filename, I suggest it's a TT problem. Please forward to development and ask them to check naming rules. See if any MS product behaves the same

[GabiU]

Hi @JerryChicago I wasn't able to recreate. When testing, I updated the software, restarted my device. Next I went to Print Center > Save as PDF and then used "1. xxxxx.." as a test. I was able to find it in the downloads saved as tested. Do you still get the truncated pdf file name? Are you accessing the "Save as PDF" pop-up in another way? Let me know. Thanks! 

[JerryChicago]

Hi @GabiU I'm running

• Lenovo Desktop: ThinkCentre M90s Gen 6
• Windows Windows 11 Pro
  • Ver 25H2
  • OS Build 26200.8037
• Turbotax Deluxe 2025 - WinPerRelease v025.000.0290

1. Open return
2. Not sure what “Print Center” is. I'm in the step by step view and click  File -> Save to PDF
3. I select Tax Return Only (tried a Specific Form too - same problem)
4. Click Save as PDF   The Save As window opens
   • A default filename and Save as Type are populated
   • I change the Save as directory to Downloads folder
   • Whether I prepend filename with 1. (followed by blank) or enter new name 1. xxxx.pdf, In both cases the file is saved with name 1.pdf (the blank is omitted from the filename too)
   • I just tried entering 2.xxxx.pdf as filename, was saved as 2.pdf (so the blank seems irrelevant)

p.s. Just noticed my OS Build shows [removed]. TT version removed too. Just curious: why?

/** EDIT **/

fyi  This problem has been reported before  Bug: Save as PDF changes file name