Skip to main content
TurboTax
Community
TurboTax
TurboTax
G
gwilson1000
Level 1
June 6, 2019
Question

Does Turbotax keep an electronic copy of my tax return that is efiled to the IRS even though I am using the downloaded software?

  • June 6, 2019
  • 5 replies
  • 328 views
No text available

5 replies

M
Level 11
maglibLevel 11
Level 11
June 6, 2019

no they do not.Tax returns prepared in the TurboTax CD/download software are stored locally, on your computer.

Even if you e-filed your return, you'll still need to look for your return on your computer or storage device, as they don't retain copies of TurboTax CD/Download returns like they do with TurboTax Online.

**I don't work for TT. Just trying to help. All the best. . ***Say "Thanks" by marking as BEST ANSWER and clicking the thumb icon in a post and that I solved your question. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer" I am NOT an expert and you should confirm with a tax expert.
J
jcd530
Level 2
February 14, 2021

I did the taxes for an elderly friend and TT overwrote my tax data. Is there a way I can retrieve the files that TT overwrote?

B
billmac432b
Level 2
February 2, 2021

I need a copy of  my federal 2019 tax return. as will has the amended 2019 return.

Thanks for any help with matter.

William

@ [email address removed]

S
Swamyt03
Level 2
December 17, 2021

I need a copy of my 2019 and 2020 tax return. 

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15
Level 15
December 17, 2021
@Swamyt03  wrote:

I need a copy of my 2019 and 2020 tax return. 

To access your prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

 

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

 

Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

C
ChondelLO
Level 12
February 6, 2021

For help with accessing your 2019 tax return please click the link below.

 

How do I access a prior year return? - TurboTax

 

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
J
jcd530
Level 2
February 14, 2021

 Does Turbotax keep an electronic copy of my tax return that is efiled to the IRS even though I am using the downloaded software?

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15
Level 15
February 14, 2021
@jcd530 wrote:

 Does Turbotax keep an electronic copy of my tax return that is efiled to the IRS even though I am using the downloaded software?

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

D
dba178
Level 2
October 10, 2022

I think you misunderstood the question.

How do you know that they don't retain a copy of what you E-FILED please? Because e-filing means you send your return through Intuit.

Is there any official statement by Intuit on this?

N
North-South
Level 2
January 9, 2024

Today, 1-9-2024, I presented this question about the 2023 Deluxe desktop version to a TT customer service rep and she said they do keep a copy online as a "convenience" to us. This concerns me, can anyone confirm if she was right or wrong? I also found out about the 5 online Fed filings being attached to one Intuit account. Disappointed in that.

DoninGA
Level 15
DoninGALevel 15
Level 15
January 9, 2024
@North-South wrote:

Today, 1-9-2024, I presented this question about the 2023 Deluxe desktop version to a TT customer service rep and she said they do keep a copy online as a "convenience" to us. This concerns me, can anyone confirm if she was right or wrong? I also found out about the 5 online Fed filings being attached to one Intuit account. Disappointed in that.

The rep you spoke with either misunderstood your question or is misinformed.

 

There is no way that TurboTax can get a copy of your tax return that was completed using the TurboTax desktop editions.

The only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created. 

TurboTax flag icon

Unlock tailored help options in your account

Create an account
TurboTax Expert Assist
TurboTax Expert

Get answers to all your tax questions

Our experts are available on-demand, no appointment needed. Get help all year long with TurboTax Expert Assist.

Explore your options
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
Sitemap
Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

©1997-2026 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, Credit Karma, and Mailchimp are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by C-Level Security.

By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.

About Cookies Manage cookies

TRUSTe nResult Certified e-File C-Level Security Certification
Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

© 2026 Intuit Canada ULC or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax and ProFile are registered trademarks of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options subject to change without notice.

Copyright © Intuit Canada ULC, 2026. All rights reserved.

About Cookies Manage cookies

Intuit
TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

© 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC ou ses sociétés affiliées. Tous droits réservés. Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboImpôt et ProFile sont des marques déposées d’Intuit Inc. Les modalités, prix, fonctions et options de service et de soutien peuvent changer sans préavis.

© 2026, Entreprises Intuit Canada ULC. Tous droits réservés.

À propos des témoins Gérer les témoins