access a prior year return - not working

[david_stembridge]

I started my 2018 return a few months back and filed for an extension, but did not finish. I logged in earlier this month and found my 2018 return no longer loaded. Now a new 2019 return loads. I was using TurboTax online edition, I believe the one for home and business.

I found the topic below and can't get it to work. I did not start with the free edition so I don't know how to start over and Download the .tax file.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/00/270...

[DoninGA]

You have to sign onto your 2018 online account using the exact same user ID you used to create the 2018 online account.

Close all TurboTax windows on your web browser (including this one).  Copy and paste the account recovery website link onto a new web browser window and run the tool.

Use this TurboTax account recovery website to get a list of all the user ID's for an email address.  Run the tool against any email addresses you may have used - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery

If none of the user ID's received will access your 2018 account, then use the option shown in blue on the account recovery website, "Try something else"

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

To access your prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents click on Show.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

If you still cannot access your account, you can contact TurboTax customer service/support through their contact website during business hours.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for a contact link and hours of operation - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3401489

Submit your question/problem during business hours and then use the option for Call (a phone number will be provided for Call) to speak directly with a TurboTax agent -

Note:  The Call option will not be available when TurboTax Support is closed.

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[david_stembridge]

Thanks DoninGA,

Ok, I was able to start over with the free edition and download my return (that was never filed) as well as the .tax file.

Now it looks like I will have to purchase the downloadable 2018 version for mac to open this file? Is there anyway to open it online again? I had just about finished my return, I just need to go through one more time to make a few adjustments. I am an expat living in eastern Europe so I need to file online.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

A 2018 tax return can no longer be electronically filed, it must be printed and mailed.  The TurboTax online editions for tax year 2018 were permanently closed after October 20, 2019.

To complete a 2018 return started with the online editions you would have to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2018 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

Since you live outside the US, then after the tax return is printed, signed and dated you probably would want to mail the return using a private delivery service such as DHL, UPS or FedEx, instead of using the local mail system.

Use this address if using a private delivery service -

Austin - Internal Revenue Submission Processing Center
3651 S IH35,
Austin TX 78741

[david_stembridge]

Thanks again, I was afraid of that! Good to know for future use.

[sm1katz]

I needed the AGI from 2019-2021 It is impossible to download a copy to your computer for some reason this year.  I have used TurboTax since 1998.  This year will be the last year I use it. It is too expensive and does not allow you to access your information from prior years.

[DoninGA]

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@sm1katz wrote:

I needed the AGI from 2019-2021 It is impossible to download a copy to your computer for some reason this year.  I have used TurboTax since 1998.  This year will be the last year I use it. It is too expensive and does not allow you to access your information from prior years.

---

To access your prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID you used to create the account - https://myturbotax.intuit.com/

Start the 2022 online tax return by entering some personal information then click on Tax Home on the left side of the screen.

On the Tax Home webpage -

Scroll down to the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

[ee-ea]

@sm1katz See this FAQ

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/prior-year-tax-return/access-prior-year-...

[sm1katz]

I already went to the IRS and got the transcripts. I have been using the online and not the CD. I have tried numerous times to access the returns needed, and the program is useless.  There are many other programs out there that have received better reviews than TurboTax.  For what they charge you it is not worth my time or money.

[sm1katz]

Have tried this many times it never works.