My computer crashed and I lost all of my files. I didn't save a paper copy of my file. I have used Turbo Tax for the last few years. Can I log in and get a copy somehow?

[xmasbaby0]

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 $50, an actual copy of the return.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Contact your state for copies of previous state returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue

[Msmcacb671951]

I have paper copies of all my returns but how would I retain the carry over information you have?

[xmasbaby0]

If you used desktop software for your past returns, TurboTax online does not have ANY of your information.  Your information was only stored on your own hard drive if you used the CD/download--or it is on any backup device you used like a flashdrive,  Returns prepared using desktop software are not stored online.

[Critter-3]

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.
   • 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?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• 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?

AND protect the files :

How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

[VolvoGirl]

@Msmcacb671951  If you can't transfer from 2019 when you do 2020 next year you can manually enter the carryover amounts.

[spbrendasp]

So could I put my last CD in and save it again? I lost mine too. Ha! I think I answered my own question.

Nope that didn't work. Somehow 2 got deleted but 2 didn't. Ugh

[CarissaM]

You are commenting on a thread from 3 years ago. 

Please be more specific about how we can assist you. @spbrendasp 

[VolvoGirl]

@spbrendasp   The Turbo Tax CD only has the program on it.  Not your returns.  You needed to save them and make backups.  

Are you on Windows or Mac?  Did you search your whole computer for all files ending in .tax2021?  And check the recycle bin and your backups.  Check in One Drive, etc.  it should be in your Documents then in the Turbo Tax folder.  Also if you have multiple Windows user accounts, log into each one and do the search for the *.tax2021 data file from within each one and checking the Recycle Bin in each one.

If you don't have the main .tax file you might have one that starts with a Tilde sign ~ like  "~your name.tax2021".  That file is if your computer crashes or your real file gets lost or deleted or corrupt so you can restore it.

Here's an idea.  Do you still have 2021 installed?  Try opening 2021 program and see if you can get your 2021 return to show up in it.  Go to FILE - OPEN.   Then save it again with a name and place you can find.  Go to File - Save As.