topic My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing? in After you file

My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

jayesh-vernekar — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:17:20 GMT

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a...

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 09:17:21 GMT

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive. They are not stored online. If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $50, an actual copy of the return.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Contact your state for copies of previous state returns.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

Thomasmass — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 03:57:41 GMT

Before the lost data is overwritten, you can use the data recovery tool to scan the crashed hard drive to recover the tax return documents. Of course, there are also some specialized data recovery companies that do data recovery for crashed hard drives. However, the price may be more expensive.

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

ravishah2 — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:54:54 GMT

what do you loose if Turbotax failed load the info frm the 2018 year's return, but I do have the transcript. Hard drive crashed, and I had no way to recover the data since i rebuild the OS and rewrite with other information. Didn't realize that my tax 2018 files were on it since I thought i have it on my USB drive.

Long story short, what does TurboTax need from Previous year's return to complete the return for 2019? Does PDF from IRS or Transcript would do me any good?

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get ...

LindseyLO — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 23:07:32 GMT

Yes, you made need your AGI. Your information from your transcript will suffice for filing your 2019 return. It will include any information you may need.

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get ...

ravishah2 — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:40:01 GMT

thanks for your prompt response.

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

gkclements — Sat, 08 May 2021 05:31:47 GMT

I neeed to restore my 2020 Turbotax deluxe program which was lostb when my computer crashed

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

gkclements — Sat, 08 May 2021 05:34:05 GMT

All that I need is a copy of the tax program that I have lost.

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get the tax info back so I can use it for next year's tax filing?

gkclements — Sat, 08 May 2021 05:36:27 GMT

I know that in the past it was very easy to get a recovery program. Is this no longer available?

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get ...

KathrynG3 — Mon, 10 May 2021 20:09:53 GMT

There is not exactly a recovery program.

To get the 2020 tax return, if the tax return has been filed, then get the transcripts from the IRS here: Get Transcript | Internal Revenue Service.

To check what has been e-filed,

Check our E-File Status Lookup Tool or check IRS: Where's my refund? for updates.
Check for state filing status here: State Return Refund Tracking.

Otherwise, download 2020 TurboTax again, re-enter your details and submit the return from your new computer.

For more information, see:

How do I install the TurboTax software for Windows?

Download TurboTax State (Windows)

If the crashed hard drive is accessible at all, see:

Reinstall TurboTax for Windows

How do I move my tax data file to another computer?

Just in case troubleshooting is needed:

Troubleshoot installation and running TurboTax for Windows

Troubleshoot TurboTax for Windows downloading issues

@gkclements

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get ...

edca4023 — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:24:15 GMT

Re: My computer's hard drive crashed. I lost my tax return documents. Is there any way I can get ...

VolvoGirl — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 00:41:47 GMT

There is a problem if you first installed from the CD. It doesn't connect you to an account you can find. You have to call in and ask for the download and a new License Code. Hopefully you get a customer service person who knows about it.

Another user posted this. If you have a computer with a CD drive or know someone, you can try copying the CD to a USB flash drive and use that to install the program.

How to contact Turbo Tax
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632