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Level 4
posted Jun 11, 2025 8:54:43 AM

Need Help with TT 2020 Loading Tax File

Hello Everyone,

I switched computers and downloaded my prior 202 TurboTax software from the download link in my account.  It seemed to load fine, no updates needed when I ran the check.  I then try to load my prior .tax2020 file and it won't load. When the software opens, I'm also not able to load it.  This matter is important as I hired someone to file this for me, and it wasn't filed.  I now need to load my initial information, double check my inputs, and get this finalized.  

I have restarted the computer, and made sure all updates were current for Windows and for TT.  I have tried to select the tax return as well as have TT load it directly. TT doesn't even show it when I do the "search for return" option.  


0 11 1655
11 Replies
Level 15
Jun 11, 2025 9:31:09 AM

2020 is no longer supported by Turbotax. Updates are no longer available. so you likely won't be able to use it

I'll bet that after reinstalling, there was no option to enter your license code to activate it.

 

it would seem your options at this point are to take your tax documents to a pro that can still prepare your 2020 return, do it yourself, or, if it is finished, send the .tax2020 file to this site. it is not affiliated with Turbotax. Read what is posted on the site

https://www.taxprinter.com/ 

Level 8
Jun 11, 2025 10:37:03 AM

I was able to install and (surprisingly) activate TT Premier 2020 on new Mac, but when opening my old return it failed because the state program needed to be installed, and the page for that failed to install my state.  Based on other comments on this topic, TT only "supports" the current version (2024) and 3 prior versions (2021-3).  Seems if you keep your computer alive then whatever version is working on it will keep working, but if you have to install on a new computer they don't allow new activation at that point.

Level 15
Jun 11, 2025 11:14:56 AM

@DolceDolce  You have posted the same question twice, and gotten essentially the same answer. Please do not post any more questions about using TurboTax software for 2020. You are not going to get any different answers.

 

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 11:20:39 AM

I was able to enter the license code, and the program loads fine.  It won't read my .tax2020 file nor load the State return.  I called Customer Service and they said it's because they stopped supporting from 3 years prior. 

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 11:22:22 AM

DUDE!   I hit refreshed and did not see my question published, so I thought it didn't take.  I even sorted by Most Recent and didn't see it, so I posted it, and this time tried to select another area for it by click on the right category bubble.  Recommend you try being a better person, the rest of the day okay?  You didn't have to be so sarcastic about it.  I lead a discord of 50k members, and I have never once been sarcastic to someone that posted their question in 2 different threads.  It's understandable things happen.  sheesh

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 11:26:42 AM

The original TurboTax program was on a different laptop. 

Would you recommend me typing everything into the 2020 TT program to be able to do what I need to do (update some calculations and review some forms) or at this point, is it better for me to download another software, one that would have State ability to be added?  I need to send these in myself, hired an EA in 2021, and he never submitted them.  

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 11:30:30 AM

Trying this site now. The return needs to be modified so not sure if this is making progress.  Good to know for sure though. Thanks.

Level 15
Jun 11, 2025 11:37:03 AM

@baldietax as previously stated 2020 is no longer supported and state returns are not available making it impossible to use 2020 if there's a state return involved, save your returns as pdfs so they are accessible if you need to refer back to them. sometime later this year, probably around 10/15/2025, you'll have the same issue with 2021. if it hasn't been filed now is the time to do it. 

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 11:40:43 AM

I'm all caught up and have been, appreciate the heads up. This is a one-off situation since I hired someone to efile it that year.  I don't know what software to use to do this, guess it will have to be TaxAct or HR Block.  Do you happen to know if either can be imported into majority of professional tax programs?  I'd like to do this myself, and then send whoever I hire the file to review and efile. (or maybe I will just print and mail).   

Level 15
Jun 11, 2025 2:00:29 PM


@DolceDolce wrote:

I'd like to do this myself, and then send whoever I hire the file to review and efile. (or maybe I will just print and mail).   


@DolceDolce 

The IRS no longer allows e-filing for 2020, so there is no way that you or anyone else would be able to e-file your 2020 tax return. You will have to print and mail. The IRS allows e-filing only for the current year and two previous years, so currently e-filing is only possible for 2022, 2023, and 2024.

 

By the way, are you aware that it's too late to get a refund for 2020? If your 2020 tax return shows a refund, you can file the return but you will not get the refund. If your only reason for filing for 2020 is to get a refund, it's not worth all this effort to file it at this point.

 

Level 4
Jun 11, 2025 4:40:04 PM

Yes, I realize the timeframe for refunds has passed.  I do owe and the penalties will be significant at this point.