topic Re: Cannot open a turbotax file in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Cannot open a turbotax file

prosec1 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:03:01 GMT

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

VolvoGirl — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:00:27 GMT

Where? Did you download the .tax file and trying to open it in the Desktop program? Do you get any error message?

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

prosec1 — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:15:23 GMT

I saved the file on my computer. All I see is "Tax Return 21.tax2021" When I double click on it I get an error message saying I have no app to open it with and asking me to go to the App Store to find an app that will open it. I have not deleted any Turbotax apps from my Mac computer so how was it created in the first place? Maybe I should contact Turbotax tech support - but I can't because the chat systems says this question is not eligible for human response.

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

VolvoGirl — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:21:56 GMT

Did you save it from the Online browser version? You need the Desktop program installed on your computer to open it. Or did you use the Desktop program to prepare your return?

Why do you want to open it? To view your return you should save the pdf file.

If you bought the CD or the download you might need to reinstall it. Where did you buy it from?

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

prosec1 — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:41:12 GMT

I used the online software to create the return and was not able to finish it until now. Are you saying Turbotax offers software that produces a result that you can't open with out paying a fee?

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

VolvoGirl — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 21:48:16 GMT

You need to finish 2021? Log into your online account and continue. You can still do 2021 online until Oct 15. Why did you download the .tax2021 file to your computer?

Click on Add a State to let you back into your return.

Re: Cannot open a turbotax file

VolvoGirl — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 22:32:13 GMT

Are you having trouble Efiling your return? Did you download it because you can't efile? Do you want to print and mail it? You need to download it as a PDF file, not the .tax2021 file.

If you can’t get it to efile you will have to print and mail it.

How to mail a return from the Online version

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/printing/help/how-do-i-print-and-mail-my-return-in-turbotax-online/00/26258

Be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them. You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places. Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.