Can I open a .tax file to create a PDF without purchasing a new copy of the software? I bought the software at Costco, no longer have the box, and my computer died.

[Opus 17]

Did you call into Turbotax to get the download? Or did you install from the CD?  Do you still have the CD?

[Anonymous]

Installed from the CD, no longer have it.  Phone support couldn’t help without a proof of purchase.

[Opus 17]

I'm afraid you have your answer.  The only way to convert a .tax file to a PDF is with the Turbotax program.

However, there may be free solution if you wait 9-10 months.  Some time after Turbotax online closes for 2017 in October, the company will make a PC amend-only version as a free download, for people who originally used TT online and now need to amend.  It usually comes out in December or January.  If you wait for the free amend-only download of TT 2017, you can import your tax data file and say you want to amend.  The first step in amending is to print a copy of your original return for your records, so that allows you to print or make a PDF.  Then you can quit without actually amending.

(If you have a tax data file for an earlier year, like 2016 or 2015, those amend-only versions are available now.)

You can also get a transcript from the IRS for free, or a photocopy for a fee (the fee is more than buying a second copy of TT, though.)  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript

There are also companies on the web that maintain old computers with old versions of tax software, and will convert a tax data file to a PDF for a fee.  I can't recommend one and don't know how secure and private they are, but one of those companies might be able to make your PDF for less than the cost of a new copy of Turbotax.

[mnich55]

Yes! This saved the day. Thank you!

[bonkai]

i don't find tax return of 2018 in the cd premier that i have used, can you tell me what to do ?

[mmargaretpanno]

yes and they said to use the newer version of chrome or safari or 2 other ones.  I just need my 2018 tax return and want to copy it  I shouldn't have to pay for it

[mmargaretpanno]

Well I tried the irs free download and put in a credit card as verification of who I am and still cannot get my 2018 tax return.  It should be so much easier than this. 

[clooney1215]

I need to download a copy of my 2018 tax return.

How can I do this.

I need it for the stimulus information to get my check

Thanks.

[JotikaT2]

You have a couple of options to get your 2018 tax return.

You can log into TurboTax if you used the software in the past and log in to obtain the returns. 

Accessing prior year returns in TurboTax 

The other option is to order copies or transcripts from the IRS. 

Requesting copies of prior returns from the IRS 

[tbahlmom]

i have a disc for original purchase

[xmasbaby0]

@tbahlmom You have added to an old thread.  Please explain with more details what you are trying to do.

[cat234]

would like copy of tax return. need phone nu

[cat234]

no disc  can i print a copy

[cat234]

no dont have a nu to call or disc i need to print a copy