How do I download .tax file for unfiled 2025 return so I can continue on desktop? The option is not in tax tools, and desktop is not importing from current year.

[MaryK4]

To download your .tax2025 file for an unfiled return from TurboTax Online, you typically need to be "inside" the return to see the download options. 

If you are on the "Tax Home" page and don't see the full side menu with Tax Tools, it is because the return is considered "closed". 

1. Sign in to TurboTax Online.
2. Scroll down to Your tax returns & documents and select 2025.
3. Select Add a State (you won't actually add one; this just reopens the return).
4. Once the return is open, look at the left-hand side menu. Select Tax Tools, then Tools.
5. In the "Tools Center" pop-up, select Save your 2025 return to your computer.
6. The file will download as taxReturn.tax2025

If the desktop software isn't importing automatically, you may be able to trigger a manual pull from the cloud (but this does not always work) 

1. Open TurboTax Desktop 2025 on your computer.
2. On the main home screen, select Continue From TurboTax Online.
3. Sign in with your Intuit Account credentials when prompted.
4. The software will list your available online returns; select the 2025 return to import the data directly into the desktop program. 

[user17762671200]

Why am I unable to save a copy of the 2024 tax data form (not a PDF) to auto fill into 2025? I've always been able to do this and I am not interested in going on line to retrieve.  I have the 2024 App open and can't find where to download or on 2025 where to upload prior files.

[DoninGA]

@user17762671200 You do have the option to download the 2024 tax file?

To access your current or 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 bottom of the screen and on the section Your tax returns & documents.  Click on the Year and Click on Download .tax file

[RobertB4444]

In order to get a copy of your 2024 data from the online program you will have to go online to retrieve it.  As @MaryK4 says above you need to be inside the tax return to see the download options.

If you need extra time, filing an extension by April 15, 2026, moves your submission deadline to October 15. But remember any taxes owed are still due in full by the original April 15 date.