topic How can I access my 2016 return? in After you file

How can I access my 2016 return?

thebricelandry — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:12:06 GMT

I need to access my 2016 tax return, but it is no longer available. I filed via the web platform in 2016. I can download the .tax file but do not have the appropriate software to open it. How can I obtain the returns that were filed?

Re: How can I access my 2016 return?

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 22:26:43 GMT

Sorry----TurboTax and the IRS save returns for seven years. After seven years they are gone. If you used the online software then the return has been purged from your account.

If you have the tax file you might be able to get it printed by using an outside service----which is not related to TurboTax in any way-- called TaxPrinter. We do not know how much it would cost.

https://www.taxprinter.com/

Re: How can I access my 2016 return?

SteamTrain — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:10:18 GMT

PLEASE....Get all your other, more recent years of PDF tax files downloaded NOW.

And save them on a backup USB flash drive too.

Re: How can I access my 2016 return?

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:11:56 GMT

SAVE YOUR TAX RETURN !

EVERY year before mid-October you should save a copy of your tax return as a pdf and print a copy of it for your records. That way you will not be searching online frantically when you need it for a lender, FAFSA forms, your next tax return, etc.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900937-why-should-i-save-a-pdf-copy-of-my-return

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899779-what-s-the-difference-between-the-tax-data-file-and-the-pdf-file

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912466-how-do-i-save-my-return-as-a-pdf-in-the-turbotax-software-for-windows •

NOTE: TurboTax and the IRS save returns for seven years. Returns older than seven years are purged.