Why is my TurboTax file time stamp changing even though the file is not saved?

[Yepper22]

Right after I e-filed my tax returns, I saved the TurboTax file before I exited the program.  Then I made a copy of that “final” file.  So I now have two copies of that final file, each with the exact same date and time -- which is what I wanted and expected, a true backup of my final file.

I went back into that file a little later on to check something.  I was careful not to update the software before opening the file.  After I was finished checking (absolutely no change was made), I was careful not to save the file before I exited the program.

However, in Windows Explorer, I noticed that the Modified date and time for the two files were no longer the same.  The file I had opened to do some checking now had a later time stamp (around when I opened it).  Why would and how can the time change if I never saved the file?

What I learned is that if I re-open the TurboTax file after I e-filed my returns, I am immediately shown a couple of new pages (it wasn’t there last year) by the program.  It is a “Welcome Back to TurboTax” page where the program will confirm the status of my returns.  On the second page, it shows “Your E-file Status” for my federal and state returns.  Then there’s an Exit TurboTax button, which I clicked on and exited the program, again without saving the file.

After several iterations, what I discovered is that just by being in these two new pages (where no input can be made) and saving no file, the Modified time for the file will automatically change to when the file was opened.   This shouldn’t be happening.  The time differential makes me think that I made some unknown changes to the TurboTax file after I had already e-filed my returns, which is troubling.

So why does the Modified time for the TurboTax file change in this situation?

Thanks.

[maglib]

@Yepper22  To help make sure users don’t accidentally delete a return they’re working on, TurboTax prevents users from deleting their most recent “active” return. They automatically save all progress.  This is extremely useful. They will also remind you before closing turbotax to save the file.

I always save my work as a file name.  If I ever am working on my taxes in test mode or estimates, I save it as another name or version number immediately.

Things I do is save my return once filed, save a .pdf version of the filed copy.

One thing that is an issue is when TT updates the software, it will update the return when you open it and why I make sure I call up my saved version vs. the one showing on TT list.

I do not work for turbotax.  I hope this was helpful.

[Yepper22]

Hi, maglib.  Thanks for your reply; it was helpful.  I appreciate it.

I must admit, however, that I am very surprised by and disappointed with your answer.  I, and probably many other TurboTax users, had no idea that TurboTax is automatically saving our tax file – even if we don’t want it to be saved.  We might be going into our file just to review something, or just to print out something, or just to do a what-if calculation that we don’t want saved.  Yet, TurboTax is automatically saving the file -- without notifying us.  I wonder if this is a new policy this year, or one that is in effect only after we e-file our return, because I never noticed this auto-save process in prior years.

What makes it extra confusing is that during the usual exit-from-TurboTax process, the program always asks, “Do you want to save this file?”  So of course the users think – erroneously -- they are in total control of when their tax file is and is not saved.  They are not.

I tried to figure out whether the auto-save operates every time you open your tax file.  It seems like only certain actions will trigger the auto-save.  One of them is when you have TurboTax do another review of the return for missing data.  Another is when you have TurboTax check your e-file status.  But the auto-save function appears not to operate all the time.  This makes things more confusing (is my file saved or not?).

Once, I looked in Windows Explorer and saw that I had a series of TurboTax files with slightly different Modified time.  The Modified date and time is important to me because that’s how I know I have the final file used to e-file my return.  Once I complete the e-file, I make a backup copy of that final TurboTax file, so now I have two files with the exact same date and time.  I don’t save these final files again because I don’t want to change their date and time (nor do I update the software again).  But now I learn I can’t even open the file again for fear of changing the date and time.

I feel TurboTax should eliminate this auto-save function.  (Besides, isn’t it redundant because we already have the tilde backup file that is automatically created by the program?)  TurboTax should trust the users to know when to save and not save their own tax file.  Every other software I know puts the users in control of when to save their files.  (It’s their files, right?)  Besides, it’s our neck that’s on the line if the IRS comes calling.

[HelenC12]

TurboTax Online has always atomatically saved your work as you go through the interview.

1. Plus, when you sign out, TurboTax will make sure to save everything before TurboTax signs you out.
2. Once you've filed your return, TurboTax will also give you the option to save a PDF copy of your tax return to your computer so you can view or print it without having to sign in again.

If you are using TurboTax CD/Download software, then you have to manually save your information as you enter it. TurboTax does not automatically save it.

If you're needing to do "what-if" scenario's, create separate accounts online or use the CD\Download version. 

Related information: How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?

[VolvoGirl]

The windows Desktop program does save temporary files that start with a ~ sign.    The ~ is a tilde file.   Those are temporary files that you normally don't see and normally are deleted.  But now Turbo Tax is leaving them in the folder in case something happens like your computer crashes.  Then you can go back.

If you don't want it to be saved then first thing after you open it is save it with another name.  Then you will be working in a copy.  Or make a copy in Windows Explorer and give it a different name.  Then open the new copy.  

After I file I save my file and add FINAL to the name.  And also save it after I update the efile status that shows Accepted.  Go up to File-Save As to change the name.  Then copy it to another place or external backup.  

[Yepper22]

Hi, HelenC12.  I did use (and always have used) the CD version of TurboTax, not the online version.  Therefore, according to your information, TurboTax should not be automatically saving my TurboTax file -- but it is, as I stated in my original post.

[Yepper22]

Hello VolvoGirl.  I have found the tilde files to be unreliable backups (some seem to disappear unexpectedly).  Therefore, I periodically create (in Windows Explorer) my own backup copies of my TurboTax file as I am working.

I consider the TurboTax file that is in place when I start and finish the federal and state e-file process to be my final file.  So I want that specific date and time stamp to always be on my final file in Windows Explorer.  The unexpected auto-save function by TurboTax has made that goal a little more difficult, but I’ve found a simple enough way to accomplish that.

Perhaps TurboTax should have an option whereby the users can select whether or not they want TurboTax to automatically and periodically save their files.  This would be similar to the current Updater Preferences in TurboTax.  Give the user a choice.