Trying to open 2016,2017 and 2018 returns can not open continue to get error message

[mesquitebean]

By "open" are you referring to desktop TurboTax, and are these the tax data files *.tax2016, *.tax2017, and *.tax2018?

Do you have the software for tax years 2016, 2017, and 2018 installed on your computer?

What is the error message?

If that's not your situation, then please explain in full.

[rjs]

What is the error message that you get - the entire message, word for word?

The tag below your question says that you are using TurboTax Online. You can't "open" past-year tax returns in TurboTax Online. You can only download a PDF. That's why mesquitebean asked if you are using the desktop software.

[Mike9241]

you cannot open any return prior to 2020 using online. only desktop versions may be used if these were timely installed and updated on your computer. if not, they can't be used either.  PDF can be uploaded to computer and view using any PDF reader. 

other options

1) IRS transcripts for 2017 onward are available either through online transcript or filing form 4506-T. these are free

2016 does not appear to be available

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506t.pdf

2) or for the same years' copies by filing form 4506 fee $30/per year

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf 

3) you can upload each .tax201X tax file and follow onsite instructions. there is a fee - additional for state. This company is not affiliated with Turbotax. Use at your own risk. 

https://www.taxprinter.com/