When you use the downloaded version and you efile the return it is passed thru to the IRS on your behalf and a copy is not preserved by TT no more than the postman would keep a copy of any mail you posted.
As you go along you really need to save a copy of the return frequently as you complete the return so if something happens you don't have to start over from scratch and/or you accidentally delete something by accident. Always save to a removable storage unit as well just in case the CPU crashes.
