I need to download my 2024 tax file for my CPA. But the only download I can get is the .tax file, which the CPA can not open. How to I get that file in a PDF version?

[mesquitebean]

Since you said "download", I'll assume you used Online TurboTax.   Here's how to get a choice of PDFs, including the PDF that has the return plus all the worksheets. 

NOTE:  I don't know how you are delivering the files to your CPA, but keep in mind that regular email is not a secure method of transmitting these files.  These are very sensitive with personal info, financial info, and often bank account info.  Also be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.

NOTE:  When you open your return back up, do not make any changes in it if it's already been filed.  If you later have to amend the return, it has to start off exactly as it was when it was originally filed.

• Log in and at the Tax Home or in the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents" for 2024, look for a link "Add a State."
• Click on "Add a State."  (you don't really add one.  That's just to open your return back up.)
• After the return interview is open, click in the left menu column on TAX TOOLS, then subtab PRINT CENTER.
• Then choose "Print, save, view this year's return."
• The next screen should offer some options:  "Just my tax returns", or "include government worksheets (optional)", or "include government and TurboTax worksheets (optional.)"
•  The latter has the most pages.

[L0TUS13]

@mesquitebean When I click on "Print, save, view this year's return." It takes me to this page. 

""Like to print your return now?

Simply select Pay now and we’ll walk you through using your credit card to pay for TurboTax, then help you print your return.

Planning to use your federal refund to pay for TurboTax?

Select Pay later below, and we’ll help with selecting that payment method and printing your return in just a bit.""
Both options just take me to  the payment/confirm order screen. I don't want to pay for TurboTax yet. I just need the 2024 pdf so that my CPA can evaluate and see if I did everything correctly, or if changes need to be made.

[xmasbaby0]

Sorry---you cannot print or download a pdf of a return you have not paid for.   If you want to print or download your tax return, you have to pay your TurboTax fees first.   

Paying your fees does not file the return.  The return cannot be e-filed until you go through all three steps of the FILE section and click a big orange button that ways "Transmit my returns now," so you do not have to worry that paying for the use of the software will file your return before you are sure it is ready to be filed.  You will still be able to go back in and make changes if necessary after paying the fees.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry you can't see or get the pdf without paying.  Otherwise nobody would pay.  They would  just download the pdf and mail it.  The fees are to prepare the return,  not to efile.   They only let you download the .tax2024 file.  Then to open it you need to buy the Desktop program.  You can still make changes after you pay.  

[L0TUS13]

Ah... Well, Thanks everyone for your help!

@VolvoGirl 
@xmasbaby0 
@mesquitebean 

THANK YOU ALL! (sorry for being a turbotax n00b. I've always just filed with turbotax and never questioned my info, figured it would be smart to see if I've been doing a halfway decent job at filing, by sending it off to a cpa. Turns out you still have to pay for that too. Oh well!)