topic Re: How to open a back-up file? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

How to open a back-up file?

givemetaxrelief — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:32:52 GMT

I have a copy of my tax return on my desktop. When I open the Turbo tax (desktop version) app the file in not there. How can I move the file into the app so I can continue to work on it?

Re: How to open a back-up file?

bluedeb — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 21:51:40 GMT

Hopefully, you have your .tax file. The default directory for TurboTax files (.tax &.pdf) are stored in the TurboTax directory off of the Documents directory. You can copy the desktop file into the TurboTax directory. Then when you open TurboTax, you should see your file in the continue box.

You can also, open TurboTax, click on the File menu, choose open, browse to where you have your .tax. You can then open the .tax file, when you are ready to save, click on File menu, Save As, save your return to the TurboTax directory.

Re: How to open a back-up file?

KatrinaLO — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:37:18 GMT

Please see the TurboTax Help Article for assistance with your .tax file.

@givemetaxrelief

Re: How to open a back-up file?

givemetaxrelief — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:47:28 GMT

Well, I didn't use Turbo Tax Online nor did I save the .tax file. My mistake! I only saved the pdf file.

To convert a pdf to a tax file one must use a third-party software/service. This in my mind is not safe as you are sending tax information to the Third Party, whoever they are. So, this option is not going to help either.

It would be nice if Turbo Tax offered this conversion as I am sure I am not the only idiot out there that made this mistake.

Re: How to open a back-up file?

MoniqueLO_ — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:06:25 GMT

Thank you for your feedback. If you need help with anything else, please feel free to reach back out to us and we would be happy to assist you.

@givemetaxrelief