Computer crash lost Turbotax data file

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
October 3, 2022
2 replies
95 views

I have used Turbotax Home & Business, desktop version on a Mac since 2008. I thought I had a backup of everything but it turns out I haven't backed up for the last two years. Computer crashed and I lost the last two years' Turbotax data files, 2019 and 2020.

I was able to recover backups of the original PDF saved returns out of Turbotax.

Reading through forums, I discovered you can start a new tax return and open the previous year's file from the desktop to import the PDF. Reading more closely (and after trying this-didn't seem to have any info beyond personal) it says this doesn't work with the business version. Arggh!

1. Is there any way to "reverse engineer" a new 2020 Turbotax data file from this original Turbotax 2020 pdf ?

2. If "no" above, is there a resource where I could find a Turbotax expert/consultant to essentially recreate the Turbotax files I need by reentering the information from the tax returns into Turbotax? In order to retain and carry forward all the data I've been inputting over the years (depreciation schedules, expenses, etc.), not sure whether it makes sense or would be more accurate/helpful to begin from 2018 (the last data file I have backed up) and move forward—or just enter info from the most current years' PDF?

Thanks for any info...

Critter-3

Level 15

No ... and you will have to recreate the returns yourself. Re install the 2019 & 2020 programs and then start the 2019 return by transferring in the 2018 info like usual. Then using the info on the PDF you can reenter everything.

Carl

Level 11

Since you have a PDF of the 2019 file, I wouldn't bother recreating the .tax2019 file. Just install TTX 2020 and recreate the .tax2020 file. Especially if you need it to import into your 2021 tax return since you've only got 12 days left to e-file it before the IRS shuts down e-filing for the 2021 tax filing season. You'll be able to enter the history manually. For example, if you have a rental property, the program will estimate the prior year's depreciation based on the dates you enter, and you can change that estimated amount if necessary. Usually in this scenario, it's not necessary if you enter the dates "exactly" as they are on the worksheets in the PDF files.

For others reading this thread, now you see why I harp not just on backups, but on hard copy PDF printouts of "EVERYTHING" to include all calculation forms and worksheets. While it's time consuming entering everything again, it's not lost permanently and forever.

59StratAuthor

Level 2

I won't bore you with how I've been beating myself up this weekend over my own stupidity of not backing this up... I am under the deadline to file 2021 and that was my reason for asking #2. I would like to find a Turbotax consultant that could enter this manually this week, so that I could import the .tax2020 file this weekend and knock that out.

Are there any resources outside of Turbotax Live where I can look for consultants? I'll look into turbotax live, but not sure if that solution caters to my particular situation. Any "services offered forums" inside or outside the intuit site I could find a legit consultant?

wizap

Level 2

Try some recovery options?

macOS User Guide

59StratAuthor

Level 2

yes, wizap. Came so close too, actually found the .tax2020 file with recovery program, but it was corrupt when I tried to open it. Taking computer to a pro tomorrow for one last go before manual input of data...

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

If you find any .tax2020 files and they won't open you need to update the program.

After you get the program 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). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN