How do I access my .tax file for my incomplete 2020 taxes if I never downloaded any software? Do I have to pay to download software just to retrieve this?

[abbymouritsen]

I started my 2020 taxes a few months ago on TuboTax online (free version) and never finished. I'm trying to finish now, but TurboTax will only allow me to download a .tax file, which I don't think I even have? And I even if I do, I can't open it without the turbotax software, which I never downloaded. Is there anywhere else that my data is saved, or even a way I can just start over?

[Anonymous_]

The 2020 tax year is now considered to be a "past year" with respect to TurboTax products.

Your only option at this point would be to use a previous year's product (link below) as incomplete returns (that were begun, but not finished, online) for the 2020 tax year are generally purged.

See https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products

[DoninGA]

If you started your 2018, 2019, or 2020 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. If you're also filing a state, be sure to download and install the corresponding state program (PC instructions | Mac instructions).

1. Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.
   • If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.
2. Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
3. Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
4. Select the file and click Open.
5. You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available.

[Critter-3]

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

2020 EIC and Tax Tables  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040tt.pdf

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

[fakalata5]

how do I access my imcomplete 2020 tax return 

[DoninGA]

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@fakalata5 wrote:

how do I access my imcomplete 2020 tax return 

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To access your 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 section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

To complete a 2020 tax return originally started using the TurboTax online editions, see this TurboTax support FAQ - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-...

[emora]

How do I access my incomplete 2021 tax return online, in order to complete it using a offline turbotax product?

[DoninGA]

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@emora wrote:

How do I access my incomplete 2021 tax return online, in order to complete it using a offline turbotax product?

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Download the tax data file from the 2021 online tax return so that you can open the file using the 2021 TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions

See this TurboTax support FAQ for saving the tax data file using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...