How to download .TAX file for previous tax cycle (but was never submitted for processing)?

[JHCAlimon]

Hi!  I need to finish up a 2020 return that was started in TT online. Because we are in a new year I see that I need to do so on the desktop version.  I now have that installed and ready.  But, when I go to my online account and select the download the .TAX file it tells me that I need to go select the proper desktop product.  Now I'm stuck.  How do I tell it that I have that product and would like the data already entered in a .TAX file?  I prefer to not do this entire exercise of data entry a second time.  Any brilliant ideas? Or things I'm overlooking?

[xmasbaby0]

You will be able to access the return you started by using the exact same account and user ID that you used when you started it.   But you can no longer use online software for any further changes.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2020 returns is now permanently closed.  Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2020 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[Critter-3]

How do I access a prior-year return?

Here's how to view and download your prior-year returns. You can access returns for the past seven years.

First time signing in this year

1. Sign in to your TurboTax account and continue through your prior year summary (EVEN IF YOU WILL NOT USE THE TT PROGRAM FOR THE 2021 RETURN). Make sure you're using the same TurboTax account (user ID) as in prior years.
2. On the next screen click on TAX HOME then  scroll down and select Your tax returns & documents.
3. Select the year you want, then select Download/print return (PDF).
• If the year you're looking for isn't there, it might be in a different account. Go here to find all of your accounts.

If you've started your return already

Sign in to your TurboTax account. Make sure you're using the same TurboTax account (same user ID) as in prior years.

There are two ways to get your prior-year returns.

1. Select Tax HOME from the side menu 
2. Then scroll down and select Your tax returns & documents.    Select the year you want and select Download .tax file .

Note: If the year you're looking for isn't there, it might be in a different account. Go here to find all of your accounts. One of them should have the return you're looking for

Need to prepare a prior-year return? Go here instead.

Related Information:

• How do I get a copy of a return I filed this year in TurboTax Online?
• How do I find last year's AGI?
• How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?
• Can I get a copy of my tax return from the IRS?

[JHCAlimon]

Thanks for the quick response.  I have now logged into the same account from the desktop version...but still don't see any way to open my 2020 data or download a .TAX file.  I also don't see any change in the online .TAX file download behavior.  After I click on the select the appropriate product link it just goes back to this year's online process.

Am I missing a step here?

[xmasbaby0]

@JHCAlimon @Critter-3 Looks like the user went about this backwards.    User installed desktop software first, now is trying to get the tax file from the online account---the reverse of what we tell them to do.  Any way to fix this----might need customer support on Monday.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Can you get into your 2020 online account?  Do you see the 2020 .tax or pdf file?  

You have to log into the same account. You need to start entering some basic personal info for 2021 for the side menu to open up. Just continue a little ways into 2021.

Access prior year online returns
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/00/270...

Then to open the .tax2020 file in the Desktop program, the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

[JHCAlimon]

Okay...got past the first page summary and tried the download.  No luck.  It's grumpy that I didn't file last year.  Tells me to select the prior year product's desktop version.  Back to where I was.  Went as far as setting up all my 2021 info.  Success!  Download file received.  

Thank you, everyone!

[JHCAlimon]

LOL! Understand what you are saying...but this is an Inutit enforced process.  My culpability was not finishing my online return before Jan 1.  Their penalty was to ban me from doing so online (because they only support current year online) and making me get the .TAX file to save entering all the data I had previously done...just not completed.

Ideally...I would have done all work online. Thanks again for jumping in.

Also - really weird that I had to go a certain distance into this year's TT online to get my last year data. Things that make you go hmmmmmm...  🙂 

[VolvoGirl]

Every year the Online version closes on Oct 15 when efiling closes or soon afterwards to get ready for the next year.  If you have already paid for the Online version you can call in and ask for the Desktop program to finish.  You can download the .tax file for free.

If you want to go back to the Online version for 2021 we can tell you how to transfer from the 2020 return you are finishing on your computer.  Or now that you have the Desktop program and see how it works you may want to get the 2021 Desktop program too.  The Desktop programs have more features than the online versions. 

[Critter-3]

Everyone should be happy that TT doesn't charge you to get the old files if you miss paying for a tax program one year ... it is free now BUT  it comes with a couple of strings that are easily handled.  

As already mentioned  ALWAYS save a PDF &  .taxfile  EVERY YEAR right after you successfully efile and you will never have this issue again.