print .tax files from 1997 to 2004

[rameshb777]

I had bought desktop CD version from 1997 to 2004. I have .tax file from 1997 to 2004. How do I get a pdf version of these files.

[Bsch4477]

You have to use each tax year TurboTax program to bring up that year’s return to print it. 

[xmasbaby0]

If you no longer have the software on the computer for those tax years, you cannot create pdf's now.   If you want to print out the returns, you might want to try a service called Taxprinter.    (taxprinter.com)  They are not affiliated with TurboTax nor do we know what they charge for their services.   The IRS only saves tax returns for seven years, so not sure why you want such old tax returns, but that is up to you.

[Mike9241 · Accepted solution]

if they are not installed and you still have the Cds, I would advise not trying to reinstall them. updates are no longer available, so if you open the .taxXXXX file, the numbers would likely change from what was filed

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

@Mike9241   @rameshb777 Yes----and the mess you would probably have if you try to install software that old on a newer computer......ugh....

[rameshb777]

OS and systems have evolved. I doubt anyone has the same system from 1997. So your answer though meaningful is not relevant. Sorry

[rameshb777]

OS has evolved a lot in 20 years. Doesnt work. Not surprised.

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

If this is a life or death situation  you could try the TaxPrinter service at  http://www.taxprinter.com 

They might be expensive and it is probably not safe to email tax returns back and forth  Their Website says…….
Tax e-files usually end with extensions such as .tax, ta5, .t00, .t01, .t02, .t03, .t04, .t05, .t06, or .t07 (you get the gist). We read most federal and state files (Windows and Macintosh) from years 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Known exceptions are TurboTax 1997, 1999 and TaxCut 2005 files which we can't read for technical reasons. TurboTax 1998 and 2002 files may show only the tax summary and the Form 1040.

[rameshb777]

Thanks Critter 3. My years of primary interest are 1997, 98, 99, 2000, and 2001. I think you are saying 3 out of the 5 may not work. I understand that a request to see my old files may seem bizarre. Without going into my reasons for it, I find it strange that TurboTax wont provide a paid service since I assume they would have old OS and SW. Taxprinter service is pretty expensive (50 USD a return). I guess the lesson from this for me is to never use turbotax. It is pretty good for me all these years in terms of tax preparation. But in future I guess I need to analyze more. Thanks for your help. I am giving a thumbs up for your response since it is the ONLY ONE that answers my question. Other do not but strangely they have thumbs up for suggesting I use a 20 year old SW on a modern 64 bit OS. Sigh.

[xmasbaby0]

@rameshb777 I see no place where anyone gave a thumbs up to the notion of installing that old software on a newer computer.   In fact, it was discouraged here.   As for never using TurboTax again, that is up to you.   But maybe a less drastic approach would be to always save a hard copy of your tax return going forward, no matter what software you use.

[rameshb777]

@xmasbaby0 Did I mess up? Sorry. I thought Bach4477 said that. Maybe in my haste I misread. I sincerely apologize. I tried to edit my post but could not find a way. Hope my contrition comes through this reply and people who read my other reply read this also. Sigh.

As to leave turbotax, I have used them for 20+ years and this is probably my frustration talking at their launch and forget attitude. In my company we sweat a lot about supporting our product and I was trying to apply that here. Not appropriate for consumer product I guess.

As you say I should have been smarter.

THanks @xmasbaby0 

[Critter-3]

ALWAYS SAVE A PDF OF THE RETURN THAT CAN BE READ BY ANY PDF READER GOING FORWARD ... THAT WAY YOU DON'T NEED TO KEEP THE PROGRAMS WHICH WILL NOT WORK ON A NEWER OS.   SEE THE NOTES AT THE END OF THIS MESSAGE ...

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

• Why would I use Forms Mode?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Windows software?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Mac software?

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

• >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy: 
• 1.  Open your return in TurboTax. 
• 2.  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
• 3.  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• 4. Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
•  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

• >>  use the WHAT IF tool: 
• - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
• - Click on the Open Form Icon 
• - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
• - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
• - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

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

AND protect the files :

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

[rameshb777]

Thanks @Critter-3 for the future. I need to think about what is right for me for the future. I want a product that the company will support. Anyway, thanks for your kind advice.