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Level 2
June 7, 2019
Question

.tax2014 File Will not open

  • June 7, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 0 views
I'm trying to download last year's tax return from TurboTax 2014. I have a .tax2014 file. When I go to File-->Open Tax Return, and select the proper file, I get the following error message: "The document [my file.tax2014] has the wrong tax year or some other issue that prevents us from opening it. Please make sure you have the right file and try again." I don't have any other file. Please help!

4 replies

Critter
Level 15
June 7, 2019

You must use the 2014 tax program to open a .tax2014 file. 

If you want to transfer in the 2014 info to the 2015 tax return that is a different action. 

How to transfer 2014 tax file to the 2015 program -- pick your situation below:

2014 Online to 2015 Online

Simple – just sign in with the same login you used on last year's return and we'll do the rest. Forgot your login?

Note: To transfer last year's return to 2015 Federal Free Edition, you'll need to accept the upgrade to TurboTax PLUS which appears shortly after you sign in.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online

2014 Online to 2015 Downloaded

If you prepared your 2014 return online, in order for your previous year tax information to transfer into your Desktop software you need to download your 2014 Online return as a .tax2014 file. 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

 

If you can't get or didn't save the .tax file to your computer before online was shut down Oct 15 or lost it,  there is a way to do it by starting your return in the Online version, transfer into that and then you can switch and continue in the desktop version and you won't have to pay for online.  Expand the 3rd section for Transferring an Online return in this FAQ
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901506-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-for-windows

2014 Downloaded to 2015 Online

Last year's tax data file (.tax files) can be transferred to Online Deluxe and higher-tier versions.

1.    Sign in to TurboTax Online, if you haven't already done so.

2.    Select Tools from the My Account menu in the upper right corner.

3.    In the pop-up window, select Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer.

4.    Read the warning and then click Continue (or Cancel to abort the transfer).

5.    Browse to where you saved your .tax2014 file and select it.

6.    Click Transfer Return and wait for your file to finish uploading.

7.    When you see Transfer Complete, click Continue to start working on your return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900883-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-online 

 

2014 Downloaded to 2015 Downloaded

Do you have the 2014 tax file on your computer?  It ends in .tax2014.  You need that to transfer into 2015.  First thing you do is start a new return and it should find all your 2014 files and ask if you want to transfer them.  

Here's how for Mac:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901265-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-for-mac

Here's how for Windows:

 https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901506-transfer-last-year-s-return-into-turbotax-for-windows

tirmanmAuthor
Level 2
June 7, 2019
Thanks for the answer, but it isn't quite what I'm looking for. I downloaded the TurboTax 2014 software. I have a .tax2014 file. I want to open that file, and print a PDF of my 2014 tax return. However, when I try to open the .tax2014 file with TurboTax2014, it gives me the error message I wrote above. I've matched the right software to the right file. Is there any other way to get my tax return from 2014?
Level 2
February 19, 2020

I have the same problem as tirmanm and at least one other. I reinstalled from my original TT2014 H&B CD (Win and Mac), then did the updates and installed Massachusetts. Still same error message about WRONG TAX YEAR - will not open any of 3 returns that I had prepared with the software, but under an earlier version of MacOS. I do not remember which MacOS version I was on at that time 5 years ago. I am on MacOS10.12.6 now. Unfortunately I never created a pdf of my most important return, which I'd like to do at this time before I migrate to a new laptop and OS. What can I do?

 

 

tirmanmAuthor
Level 2
June 7, 2019

Thanks for the answer, but it isn't quite what I'm looking for. I downloaded the TurboTax 2014 software. I have a .tax2014 file. I want to open that file, and print a PDF of my 2014 tax return. However, when I try to open the .tax2014 file with TurboTax2014, it gives me the error message I wrote above. I've matched the right software to the right file. Is there any other way to get my tax return from 2014?

VolvoGirl
Level 15
June 7, 2019
You first have to update the program and download any state programs you used.
Level 3
November 6, 2021

@VolvoGirl Thanks for posting this information about needing to download the state after installing. You kept me from losing my mind trying to figure out why the application kept crashing. I downloaded the state and was able to open TurboTax 2014 (on my older MacBook Pro, which still works with an older OS version even in 2021). Your tip helped me file and get back in good graces with IRS.  

 

Level 2
February 5, 2020

i need 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 to open taxes

SteamTrain
Level 15
February 5, 2020

@nalesia18 

 

Software installed years ago for 2014 and 2015 should still work, but you cannot buy it now and re-install it.

 

 

Only 2016, 17, & 18 can be purchased and used now, (2016 will disappear sometime this year):

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

 

 

 

____________*Answers are correct to the best of my knowledge when posted, but should not be considered to be legal or official tax advice.*
Level 13
February 20, 2020

Since you are continuing to have problems, even after trying the community fixes, please click on the Contact Us form https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/. We’ll help you connect with the right expert for your specific problem.

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
Level 2
February 20, 2020

Nothing I have found on the forums has enabled me to open my 2014 returns. I repeat my issue here:

"I have the same problem as tirmanm and at least one other. I reinstalled from my original TT2014 H&B CD (Win and Mac), then did the updates and installed Massachusetts. Still same error message about WRONG TAX YEAR - will not open any of 3 returns that I had prepared with the software, but under an earlier version of MacOS. I do not remember which MacOS version I was on at that time 5 years ago. I am on MacOS10.12.6 now. Unfortunately I never created a pdf of my most important return, which I'd like to do at this time before I migrate to a new laptop and OS. What can I do?"

Clicking on the link <https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/> as instructed in your reply takes me to a log-in page. I can log in OK, but find myself right back where I started in the faq area with no clue how to actually get hold of a real support person, there is no field or chat window in which to state my issue.  Using Mac Sierra and Chrome. Getting nowhere.

Level 2
February 20, 2020

Finally. After following Volvogirl's advice for a third time, the .tax2014 files opened, and I was able to print to pdf. I guess as they say 3rd time is the charm. 

 

Thanks for the attention.