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Level 2
posted Feb 18, 2022 9:59:53 AM

File won't open

Prepared the whole 1040 Tax return and was getting ready to efile.  I realized that I need drivers license info so I got out of file to come back later.  Now file error message unable to open tax file.  Very uspet.

1 17 4667
1 Best answer
Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 6:26:29 AM

Yep, re-entered all the data.

17 Replies
Intuit Alumni
Feb 19, 2022 11:43:11 AM

Are you able to locate the saved tax data file on your PC?

 

You may want to consider creating a backup of your tax file as well. Please see the below TurboTax help article for more information. 

How do I back up my tax file in the TurboTax CD/Download software?

Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 5:28:14 AM

The file is on a USB and won't open.  

Level 15
Feb 20, 2022 5:35:47 AM


@Riebap wrote:

The file is on a USB and won't open.  


TurboTax looks for the tax data file on the C:\ drive.

Start the TurboTax program.  Click on the File menu at the top left of the desktop program screen.  Click on Open Tax Return.  Browse to the location of the tax datafile on your USB drive.

Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 5:37:14 AM

I have been using Turbo Tax since 2006.  I know how to find and open a file.  

Level 15
Feb 20, 2022 5:41:27 AM


@Riebap wrote:

I have been using Turbo Tax since 2006.  I know how to find and open a file.  


Does the file have a file extension of .tax2021?  What message do you receive when trying to open the file?

Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 6:00:09 AM

Error Opening File

Level 15
Feb 20, 2022 6:08:33 AM

@Riebap Contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem

 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for contacting support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

 

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 6:12:05 AM

I did that.

Level 15
Feb 20, 2022 6:24:04 AM

If the file is a tax data file for tax year 2021 and Not a PDF, then it is either corrupted or you will have to copy the file to the TurboTax folder in the Documents directory on your C:\ drive.

Also check to see if there is a backup data file in the TurboTax folder for 2021 which will have a tilde (~) at the beginning of the file name.  If there is such a file use that to open the tax return.

 

If the 2021 file is corrupt then you will have to start a new tax return using the 2021 TurboTax program.

 

This all assumes you are using the TurboTax program for Windows.

Level 2
Feb 20, 2022 6:26:29 AM

Yep, re-entered all the data.

Level 2
Apr 14, 2022 8:29:07 AM

I had also received the unable to open file error.  I rebooted the computer and that solved it.  Note:  Being previously in software development, I suspected that the file may still be opened and stuck in a 'zombie' state by windows and TTax won't open two instances of the same file.  My files are saved on Microsoft's OneDrive cloud service which attempts to sync the file with their cloud server.  Sometimes, I put my computer to 'sleep mode' immediately after closing TTax.  My suspicion is that by not giving TTax time to fully close out before the computer goes to sleep, that issues could occur.  Rebooting cleared that up.

New Member
Jan 28, 2023 1:30:10 PM

I efiled already 2 income taxes, when I went back the next day to see the status it gave me an error and I wasn't able to open the files, I did re-start the computer, I turned it off. I uninstall the software and re-install it, and still doesn't let me to open them.

 

New Member
Jan 28, 2023 2:15:22 PM

Thanks. The back up worked

 

Level 2
Feb 11, 2023 8:34:44 AM

I had the same problem was forced to renter the data. 
Turbo Tax this year seems to be a nightmare.


Level 2
Feb 11, 2023 9:48:33 AM

I discovered the problem was the type of file I was trying to open.  File type should have TurboTax in the file type name.  I did not re-enter all the data.

Level 2
Feb 11, 2023 9:49:12 AM

I had it saved in 2 places.  It was the file type that gave me the issue.

Level 2
Feb 11, 2023 9:49:58 AM

I know that, been using Turbo Tax for 17 years.