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
Or you can pay the IRS $50 for an actual copy of your tax return which will include copies of your W-2’s
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf
Contact your state for copies of previous state returns.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
