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Level 3
posted Mar 29, 2025 8:28:31 PM

Can't open saved return

I used the online version this time (I won't be doing that again!), and saved my return to my computer, but now I can't open the saved file. Tried using the chatbot, but that was useless. It eventually said someone would call me, which they did, but then didn't say anything, so after waiting a full minute, I hung up.

 

0 7 1112
7 Replies
Level 15
Mar 29, 2025 8:36:23 PM

What file did you download from Online?   Was it the pdf file or the data file ending in .tax2024?  You should be able to open a pdf file.   If you have the .tax2024 file you need the 2024 program installed to open it.  Which I suspect you have since you used the Desktop program before and want to go back.

 

If you’re trying to open the .tax2024 file…….After you get the program installed or reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to File-New Tax Return).

 

Then go to FILE -Open and find your return.

 

Hope this helps

 

Level 15
Mar 29, 2025 8:43:37 PM

I just remembered there is a new Continue button on the Desktop program when you start a new tax return.  To continue in the desktop version see this…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 8:54:35 PM

It would have been so much easier if I could have just saved a pdf version, but for some stupid reason, that's not an option.

 

It is the .tax2024 file that I'm trying to open, but I have no idea what you're referring to regarding installing/reinstalling the program, as I used the online version.

 

I have no state version, so that isn't an option.

Level 15
Mar 29, 2025 9:01:40 PM

I know you used the Online version but I thought you wanted to switch to the Desktop program.  Have you paid for the Online return?   You can’t get a pdf if you haven’t paid yet. Click on Add a State to let you back into your return. 

Save the PDF

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/import-export-data-files/save-2021-turbotax-online-return-pdf/L8dHfRkpT_US_en_US

 

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 9:01:50 PM

To do this, it sounds like I'd have to purchase an additional $100+ program just to be able to open my own tax return! Something I should be able to do by default. But TT does seem to like to gouge people; I just saw that after 3/31, they're going to start charging people even more!

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 9:04:36 PM

I've already paid and filed. No state return required.

Level 3
Mar 29, 2025 9:06:00 PM

It's getting late; I'll try that tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!