Can I Save My Progress?

Sorry---you missed the October 15 deadline to start a 2019 return using online TurboTax.  You cannot use online now until it is time to start a new 2020 return.    And online will only be for a 2020 return--no earlier year.

To prepare and file a 2019 return:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2017, 2018, or 2019 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.   

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

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.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2019 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

2019 EIC and Tax Tables  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040tt.pdf

2019 Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

You can finish using desktop software.  If you already paid your Online TurboTax fees you can get a download from customer support for free.

To call TurboTax customer support

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

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900990-how-do-i-file-a-prior-year-tax-return

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

So you don't need to start over from scratch ...  download the .taxfile from the online system now so you can open it in the downloaded program.  

You shouldn't have to start over each time you take a break.  The software should save your information.  If this does not work and you are using the Online version, please see these steps here: 

• Log completely out of Turbo Tax.
• Then, clear your cache and cookies within your browser and completely close out of it.  I have included the Help Articles below if you need assistance with clearing cache or cookies.
• Re-open the browser and log back into Turbo Tax and see if this fixes the situation.
  • You can also try a different browser as well, or "incognito mode".

Clear Cache

Delete Cookies

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, please reach back out here in the thread and someone will follow up with the next steps. 

If you are using the Download/Desktop version, you will need to make sure you have updated your software.  To manually update for Windows, please see the Help Article here.  For Mac, please see this Help Article.  

@cliffordhughes