it is highly recommended that when using a desktop version, you save a pdf copy and a copy of the .taxxxx file offline like on a thumb drive. the .tax file is only useful if you keep the tax program installed because after the third filing season, reinstallation will produce a different return because updates are no longer available. TT online deletes the tax files after 6 years. and the IRS only keeps transcripts for 7 years, unless it is investigating the possibility of tax evasion.
