TurboTax files can only be read with the TurboTax software for each tax year.
And if you do get the versions older than 2014 installed again you may not be able to update them or download any state programs you need. If you can't download the state you may not be able to open your return. Do you just have the .tax files for them? Or did you save them a pdf files also? You don't need the program installed to view a pdf file.
OR you could try the TaxPrinter service at http://www.taxprinter.com
They might be expensive and it is probably not safe to email tax returns back and forth Their Website says…….
We read most federal and state files (Windows and Macintosh) from years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013... Known exceptions are TurboTax 1997 and TaxCut 2005 files which we can't read for technical reasons.
OR get a copy from the IRS -
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
@burnsthe wrote:
How do I get 2016 tax return software
Go to this TurboTax website for the 2016 desktop software - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/
@burnsthe wrote:
I want to view my 2016 tax return online
To access your current or prior year tax returns sign onto the TurboTax website with the userID 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 Show. Click on the Year and Click on Download/print return (PDF)
See this TurboTax support FAQ for accessing prior year online tax returns - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/270...
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.
Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
For a fee of $50 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf
@ burnsthe
In one comment you said "I want to view my 2016 tax return online."
Then you said in your next comment "How do I get 2016 tax return software?"
So that's confusing. How was the 2016 prepared? If prepared online, we can tell you how you can likely view/download the PDF file. What is your situation, and what exactly do you need to do?
ADDENDUM:
I see DoninGA has addressed both of those issues while I was typing this. 🙂
Re: How do I open all my old turbotax returns 1999-2016? Without having to install all my old versions of turbotax?
As mac_user said above, you can open TurboTax tax files (like *.tax2019) only with the software for that year.
See DoninGA's answer for how to get that software if you no longer have it.
You should have been saving each year as a pdf file when you were done. Then you don't need the program installed.
If you can’t find or install the program to open a .tax file you can use www.taxprinter.com to convert a .tax file to pdf. No connection to Turbo Tax . They might be expensive.
I have all mine saved as PDF files on an external hard drive... but Adobe says it can't be opened … any suggestions???
Maybe you need to update Adobe reader. Did you try first copying the pdf file to your computer hard drive?
I hope it's not too much of a surprise when I say, this sucks.
Thanks anyway
All the software makers should release a reader that allows for old returns to be read and printed.
And all those - on this thread and elsewhere - who say "You should have..." obviously don't understand that problems arise requiring a means to remedy.
I tried to resurrect an old computer running Windows XP in order to try to print old my old tax returns (needed for a reason, but none of anyone's business what that reason is), installed the programs (as I had the old CDs), but a) couldn't get the software to even run, b) when I could get the program to run in some cases it required activation and the Intuit link no longer worked, and c) if I could get past these issues, I couldn't get the program to correctly read my returns because the state modules were no longer available.
So yup, I agree: it sucks. But I do confess to being somewhat surprised. This lack of archival returns support won't matter to the IRS if one is on the hook for something that goes back more than just a few years.
My summation: it not only sucks, it's utter BS. Intuit (and other tax software sellers) got its money. The IRS will figure out a way to get its money. And, as always, we are the ones left holding the bag.
Depending on what information you are trying to access from your previous returns, you can print off a free transcript of your returns through the IRS,gov website. Click here to access your tax return information.
I appreciate the feedback/reply.
I have an account with the IRS. But I might - at some point - need returns that go way back; far, far earlier than the 2016 the IRS makes available. Hence, my frustration; the IRS will expect me to defend my returns yet neither the IRS nor Intuit (and the other tax software people) will assist with archival materials.
It is what it is, I guess.
Did you see the link I posted above?
You could try the TaxPrinter service to convert a .tax file to pdf at
OR get a copy from the IRS -
@tnparson Are you using the Desktop program (Windows or Mac?) or the Online version? Didn't you save them as pdf files? If you used the Desktop program you need to have the .tax2019 and .tax2020 files on your computer to open in the program. If you only have the .tax files you need the program installed to open them.
If I've already paid for the states (2019) why do I have to pay again to just print my old taxes? This is a rip-off.
How to download your purchase
Access your downloads here
https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/commerce/account/secure/login.jsp?pagecontext=download
Can't find your purchase?
Thanks for the reply but I've already downloaded the, I've paid for NY(paid), PA(paid), and GA (Free) is my main. So, now it has PA as my main and asking for GA to be paid. This is nonsense.
You need to call in and get that straightened out. Guess you should have tried to download GA first as the free state again.
Contact Customer Service
(You need to pick the CD/Download program in the product drop down box.)
5am-9pm Pacific Time
7 days a week
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/
What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632