I lost my old taxes for the last 3 years. The computer died and the hard drive was fried. Should I redo 2022 taxes, or not worry about it and start a new one again?

matthewscmp · ‎February 21, 2024

I do have paper copies. The hard drive is not recoverable.

xmasbaby0 · ‎February 21, 2024

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive. They are not stored online. If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

RobertB4444 · ‎February 21, 2024

If you have paper copies then you have all of the records that you need. There is no need to recreate the 2022 return. Just start fresh with 2023 and keep the 2022 return handy in order to enter any information that might be necessary as it carries over from the prior year.

@matthewscmp

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I lost my old taxes for the last 3 years. The computer died and the hard drive was fried. Should I redo 2022 taxes, or not worry about it and start a new one again?