Trying to Complete my 2020 tax return and do not know which program to use to open the documents from my computer.

11 replies
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I have tried numerous times to "Continue my 2020 Taxes" and every time I do, I can not open the saved documents that were saved to my computer a couple of months ago. The question is, what program do I use to open the documents, OR how can I just start over to file my 2020 tax return?

Critter-3

Level 15

If you started your 2018, 2019, or 2020 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. If you're also filing a state, be sure to download and install the corresponding state program (PC instructions | Mac instructions).

Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.

If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.

Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
Select the file and click Open.
You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available.

CherrytonAuthor

Level 2

Thank you for helping me.

I already bought and downloaded the software but it automatically takes me to 2021 and I am trying to file 2020 taxes. It picked up the documents from my computer, but it is trying to file for 2021.

Critter-3

Level 15

Did you download the 2020 program or the 2021 ? You need the 2020 program to complete the 2020 return ... hang onto the 2021 program for the 2021 return you file next year.

If you started your 2018, 2019, or 2020 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.

If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.

Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
Select the file and click Open.
You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available.