topic The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change the DEFAULT folder to some other folder? in After you file

The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change the DEFAULT folder to some other folder?

aptiva4tt17 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:29:45 GMT

I want to set the default folder to a folder of my choice -- so that when I browse for files to open, it will start in my specified folder -- NOT C: drive.

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change the DEFAULT folder to some other folder?

VolvoGirl — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 23:17:42 GMT

The first time you save a return you will have to specify the location. Probably do File-Save As the first time.

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change the DEFAULT folder to some other folder?

aptiva4tt17 — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 09:37:33 GMT

I can save to any folder I choose -- after I manuver to that folder. But every time I save a new file or open a new file, I have to change to "MY" folder again. It is a unnecessary hassle. Other softwares let me set my preferences, including where I want my file to be saved. TT doesn't have these basic features. Is there a way to change the program's default folder to one of my choice? -- so that When I save or browse for new tax file, TT will start with that folder. It is such a hassle that I have to change from drive C: every time I save a new file or open a new file.

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change the DEFAULT folder to some other folder?

mikerundle — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:31:31 GMT

I want the same thing you want for the same reason. Did you EVER get an answer?

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

MarilynG1 — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:25:01 GMT

It's best to save your files on the C drive until after tax season, then you can move them to another folder on your computer. Don't store any saved tax files in a cloud-based file or they may be corrupted if you bring them back to your computer later.

@mikerundle

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

mikerundle — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 01:50:28 GMT

@MarilynG1

I really appreciate your response. However, my network location is not cloud-based. Instead it is merely a network drive.

For security reasons, it is not good for me to leave DATA on the c:\ drive, in particular sensitive personal financial data.

So... I should rephrase my original question to be this: Does Intuit suppress my ability to change the default location of where my tax files are located? Is there an XML or a CFG file that I can edit? I guess I will start digging through the program directories and share what I find.

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

MarilynG1 — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 02:04:15 GMT

No, you can save your files to whatever location you choose on your computer. However, each time you use 'Save As' you'll need to direct to that location again.

@mikerundle

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

mikerundle — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:36:22 GMT

LoL: Of course I "can save your files to whatever location you choose on your computer," but that was never the question. The question is, "Can I change the DEFAULT location for the tax files." It sounds like the real answer is "NO," but Intuit has somehow not liked to use that word. I could stop trying if there was a definitive answer one way or the other, but instead everyone seems to merely dodge the actual question. Others seem to have wanted a response to my question as well. @ssondel711 @VolvoGirl @aptiva4tt17 @camohr7119 @jvbrooks @MichelleLO @mAMYiyVS1e @tamahigashi @ has this been your experience too? Did you ever get an answer about adjusting the default location? Mike

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

MarilynG1 — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:19:32 GMT

No, you can't actually change the default location in the program, but here's some info from other users that may be useful.

@mikerundle

Re: The default folder for storing Turbo tax return files are on the C: drive. How do I change th...

mikerundle — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:41:02 GMT

Thanks for the straightforward and definitive answer. And Thank YOU for not dodging the actual question.

I can take the appropriate steps to work around this as part of my turbotax routine and move on. My wife and I have found that TurboTax is the easiest to use, is mostly very intuitive, and has a great user community, so we are not leaving! mikeurndle