Old TurboTax CDs

[78gazelle]

I understand that I should save tax returns for seven years before it is safe to discard them.  I have an old Turbo Tax CD from 2015.  Is there any reason to keep it? I already shredded the paper copies of the returns. Also, when I do discard the CD, should it be destroyed first?  How would I do that?

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

First the CD holds NO personal information ... all it has is the basic installation file so you can break it up if you like but there is nothing to erase. 

Next, tax years prior to 2020 can no longer be installed or updated so disks that old are useless.  Hopefully you saved PDF files of all the returns you filed using the TT program in case you cannot access the program any longer. 

Once you have filed successfully … you can shut off the auto updater function and then save the return &  .taxfile.

For Windows, up in the top menu, you  can set the  "Updater Preferences" to "Always Ask" or more commonly set to "I don't have an internet connection"  (even if you do), and then you are not forced to update....and can manually force an update when you choose to do so.   And then you can open the file(s) at any time with no forced upgrade.

But that's the Windows software.....not a MAC. For a MAC you cannot turn off the auto updater  HOWEVER  you can simply disconnect from the internet before opening the tax return.

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1. From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
   • Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
3. In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
4. Click Save and then close TurboTax.
5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

• Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?

AND protect the files :

• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

[SteamTrain · Accepted solution]

Just my Opinion:  Don't shred tax returns older than 7 years....keep them indefinitely.

I guess you can shred most of the backup documents and worksheets that are older than 7 years...just not the main forms, nor the W-2 forms.

We get people in here regularly...but not real often, begging to get copies of old tax returns for some unstated reason....last one I saw was wanting/needing 2012.

IF you do insist on shredding the old ones, get your Social Security statement of credited yearly wages first to make sure you agree with those wage entries for all those back years.