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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 1:51:27 PM

Do I have to keep the CD after filling my taxes?

I AM FINISHED WITH MY TAXES, HOW LONG DO I KEEP THE CD THAT I PURCHASED?  I HAVE ACCUMULATED QUITE A FEW OVER THE YEARS.

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:51:28 PM

First you should have saved each tax return as both a PDF and a .tax file  after you file every year.  Then if you still have the program installed on your computer or you saved the installation file then you really don't need the CD at all.  If you do keep any of the CDs the you only need the current year plus the 3 open years but you don't ever need more than 5 since those tax years are no longer supported. 



ALWAYS …..

Backup your return as BOTH a  PDF &  a  .TAXFILE:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912403-how-do-i-back-up-my-tax-file-in-the-turbotax-cd-download-software

And  PASSWORD PROTECT them AND copy/save them to a removable medium:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565836-how-can-i-protect-the-tax-files-on-my-computer

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1914893-how-do-i-password-protect-my-tax-file-in-the-turbotax-for-mac-software

2 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 1:51:28 PM

First you should have saved each tax return as both a PDF and a .tax file  after you file every year.  Then if you still have the program installed on your computer or you saved the installation file then you really don't need the CD at all.  If you do keep any of the CDs the you only need the current year plus the 3 open years but you don't ever need more than 5 since those tax years are no longer supported. 



ALWAYS …..

Backup your return as BOTH a  PDF &  a  .TAXFILE:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912403-how-do-i-back-up-my-tax-file-in-the-turbotax-cd-download-software

And  PASSWORD PROTECT them AND copy/save them to a removable medium:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565836-how-can-i-protect-the-tax-files-on-my-computer

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1914893-how-do-i-password-protect-my-tax-file-in-the-turbotax-for-mac-software

Level 2
Feb 23, 2022 12:50:02 AM

I have TurboTax CD's going back to 2008. I have the tax files securely saved in three locations so that's not a problem. I realize I should keep the CD's going back, at least 3-5 years. Do I need to keep them going back that far? What would be safe to throw away? I look forward to anyone's comments. Thanks