topic I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it? in After you file

I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it?

tyklenske — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:42:11 GMT

I realize I'll have to file late, and to do that requires a purchase. I just don't want to purchase anything unless I know they've saved my information.

Re: I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 16:16:03 GMT

You will be able to access the return you started by using the exact same account and user ID that you used when you started it. But you can no longer use online software for any further changes.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2020 returns is now permanently closed. Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2020 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turbotax-online

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe. Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Re: I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it?

tyklenske — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 23:28:50 GMT

Thank you for that detailed response. I purchased the 2020 version and it tells me it could not find my tax files from 2020.

I used the exact same account and ID as last year when I was e-filing. Are you sure it saves that information?

Re: I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it?

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 23:44:36 GMT

@tyklenske If you are trying to prepare a 2020 tax return you should be looking for the 2019 tax file if you need to transfer the previous year in to start the return with your information. You need to transfer 2019 to 2020 and then prepare the 2020 return.

Re: I started my 2020 tax return last year (2021) but could not finish and file. Does TurboTax save that information that I input? How can I access it?

tyklenske — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 01:26:16 GMT

Okay, but my question was about the information from 2020. I filled in my w2 information online last year (2021) for the 2020 tax year, but I didn't complete the filing. Now I don't have my w2 (from 2020) anymore. So I purchased the 2020 turbotax product because you said it should have saved all my information that I input already.