topic How frequently does TurboTax automatically save my file? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

How frequently does TurboTax automatically save my file?

Yepper22 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:57:25 GMT

I understand that the backup file (the one with a tilde [~] at the beginning of the file name) that's automatically created by TurboTax is now a permanent file, and no longer a temporary file. This backup file really came in handy this year, as my TT file became corrupted right before I was going to e-file my returns.

My questions: How frequently does TT automatically create this backup file? Does TT create the backup only when certain events occur, such as when I manually save my file?

Thanks.

Re: How frequently does TurboTax automatically save my file?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:34:26 GMT

I don't know how often but you really should be saving your return a lot. Just go to File-Save frequently.

Re: How frequently does TurboTax automatically save my file?

Anonymous_ — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:42:57 GMT

I agree with @VolvoGirl; save your file as often as possible (at least after any significant entry).

I have done a bunch of test returns and, as best as I can determine, the desktop program appears to save the file (automatically) at around five minute intervals.

Re: How frequently does TurboTax automatically save my file?

Yepper22 — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 19:21:27 GMT

tagteam -

Yes, I do back up my primary TurboTax file quite frequently. I asked my questions to try to determine how frequently I should manually create a backup of that primary file. My experience with the corrupt file has taught me the value of having a backup file – the more recent the better.

If what you say is true for most people (TT autosaves the file every ~5 minutes), that’s pretty good. I can handle losing just 5 minutes of work. Nevertheless, I think I will also create my own backup at the end of each work session – just to be on the safe side.

Thanks for your (and VolvoGirl) help.