Where are my returns?

[highstream]

I've used TurboTax Home and Business desktop version (Win 10) to file federal and state taxes for the past couple of years. Through a change in main drives and the failure of a backup program, I can't find my filings. 2024 is most important. I filed the Federal via TurboTax and mailed in the State, including with it a copy of the federal form. However, when I log into TurboTax and click on filings, it says I've never filed with them. So what am I missing here? And is there anyone to get ahold of to figure this out?

[highstream]

Just to clarify, the program itself can't find my filing either. I assume it somehow got lost in the changing of main drives, and ultimately having to do a Windows repair install from a pre-tax filing System Image.

[VolvoGirl]

If you used the Desktop program you need the .tax2024 data file to open in the 2024 Desktop program.   Search for the .tax2014 file on your computer or any backups you have.   If you used the Desktop installed program then your return was not saved Online.  

Did you search your whole computer for all files ending in .tax2024 etc?And check the recycle bin and your backups.  Check in One Drive, Drop Box, 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 *.tax2024 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.tax2024".  That file is if your computer crashes or your real file gets lost or deleted or corrupt so you can restore

[xmasbaby0]

If you used desktop Home and Business your tax returns are only stored on your own hard drive. or any backup device you used like a flash drive.  They are not stored in an online account that you log on to.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/find-last-year-tax-data-file-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/data-systems/find-tax-data-file-mac/L4VN...

[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 $30 an actual copy of your tax return.

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

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

[highstream]

Thanks everyone. My clarification explains how the problem came about and why I don't have the .tax2024 file. I've contacted the IRS and supposedly an email with a link is coming, though it seems to be slow in coming.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you efile?  Was it Accepted?

Did you go all the way through the File tab, through the 3 steps and hit the big orange Transmit Returns Now button?

When you efile you get back 2 emails.  The first email only confirms the transmission.  The second email says if the IRS (or state) Accepted or Rejected your efile.  And check your spam folder for them.

For the Desktop program you have to check the filing status inside the program.  But I wouldn't trust that.  It is known to be wrong sometimes.  Go by the Accepted or Rejected email.

Open your return and go up to menu item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

[highstream]

Thanks VG. I do have the Accepted email and I was able to get a transcript summary copy from the IRS site. Accepted email says to get a copy...

"Simply open TurboTax, confirm you status and continue to the Print/Save for Your Records screen."

But if I don't have a copy on my computer due to circumstances described, and TT doesn't keep one -- probably a good thing -- then I'm not seeing how those instructions apply. 

[Jackbowman]

This message is for anyone who has fallen victim to crypto investment scams. There are many false recommendations out there, so it’s important to be vigilant. I personally lost $50,000 in Bitcoin to an investment scam and was scammed again while trying to recover my funds. After months of frustration, I discovered ****(Reclaimeasy) (At) (gmail . com)**** who was able to successfully help me recover my lost money.