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Not applicable
posted Jun 4, 2019 9:24:29 PM

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.

0 17 22041
17 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 9:24:31 PM

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

Not applicable
Jun 4, 2019 9:24:32 PM

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

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 9:24:34 PM

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.

New Member
Apr 6, 2020 11:44:14 PM

Yes! This saved the day. Thank you!

Returning Member
Apr 9, 2020 11:43:16 PM

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

New Member
Apr 17, 2020 1:21:02 PM

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

New Member
Apr 17, 2020 1:23:55 PM

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. 

New Member
May 16, 2020 7:13:01 AM

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.

Employee Tax Expert
May 18, 2020 1:24:46 PM

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 

Level 1
Nov 30, 2020 1:26:19 PM

i have a disc for original purchase

Level 15
Nov 30, 2020 2:15:55 PM

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

New Member
Mar 4, 2021 11:39:25 AM

would like copy of tax return. need phone nu

New Member
Mar 4, 2021 11:43:16 AM

no disc  can i print a copy

New Member
Mar 4, 2021 11:45:52 AM

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

Intuit Alumni
Mar 4, 2021 11:59:40 AM

Turbo Tax phone number can be found here.

Returning Member
Mar 30, 2021 4:19:50 PM

can i get a copy of my 2020 federal and state taxes

Level 15
Mar 30, 2021 4:20:24 PM


@Dahliagray wrote:

can i get a copy of my 2020 federal and state taxes


To access your current or prior year online tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the User ID 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)

Or -

When you sign onto your online account and land on the Tax Home web page, scroll down and click on Add a state. 

This will take you back to the 2020 online tax return.

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the online program screen.  Then click on Print Center.  Then click on Print, save or preview this year's return.  Choose the option Include government and TurboTax worksheets