When I try to download my.tax file I get the message "Your .tax file could not be downloaded at this time. Please try again later." How to fix this?

[mesquitebean]

What type of device are you using--computer,  phone, tablet, etc.?  And have you tried with a different browser to see if it still happens?  It may not make any difference, but it's something to try.

[mesquitebean]

What tax year are you downloading?  And what are you needing to do?  Why do you need the *.tax date file?

[ryanp89]

Yep. I am using my windows PC and tried chrome and explorer, then switched to a MacBook Air but got nothing.

[ryanp89]

2018, I bought the Deluxe software and trying to upload it so I can amend my return.

[mesquitebean]

I don't understand.   Did you prepare and file the 2018 return Online?  A current year return can still be amended online.  It can prepare the Form 1040X amended return.

But if you want the data file to amend on your computer, I can tell you another way to try to download your *.tax2018 data file from your online account.

Have you been trying to download it from "Your Tax Returns & Documents"?  If so, I'll tell you way to open up your return and a special way to retrieve it (hopefully, but no promise.)   

[mesquitebean]

Or maybe you already tried the other method, too.  I see you looked at a FAQ about it.  Did you already try that method of going to Tax Tools, then Tools?

[ryanp89]

Yes, I filed it online for free, but am switching to the software since it requires me to upgrade to the Deluxe version to amend it (which was already bought). Whats another way to download it? Thanks!

[mesquitebean]

I'll tell you in my answer below.  But first, were you due a Federal refund, and if so have you received it?  If you are due a refund and haven't yet received it, you should wait on it to arrive before amending.  Watch for my answer below on another way to try to get the data file.

[mesquitebean]

NOTE:  If your tax data file has a state return in it, then before you open it with your Deluxe software, you will need to download your state program into your software first, or it won't know how to handle the data file.  To download the state program you may have to start a fake new return just long enough to download the state program.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

Here's another way to try to get the data file.  I don't know if it will be successful in avoiding that message or not.

• Log in and at the Tax Home go to "Your Tax Returns & Documents."
  
• For 2018, choose ADD A STATE (you don't really add one; that's just to open the return.)
  
• Once the return is open, go to the left menu column and click on TAX TOOLS, then TOOLS.
• In the Tools window choose "Save your 2018 return to your computer."

If that's unsuccessful, and you continue to get the same error message, here's how to phone Support.  Do not try to get Support from inside your Free Edition account, since Free Edition does not have phone support.  Instead, use the tool below and indicate in the dropdown menu that you are using the CD/download product.

You can use the form at the link below to schedule a call back, or it may provide a number.  Hours are 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern).

https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact