Desktop cannot find my 2019 online tax file which I already downloaded to my computer

[JulieS]

First, you want to make sure that TurboTax is looking for a 2019 tax return. 

1. Click on File in the upper left corner of the software, then Open Tax Return.
2. A browser window will open and in the lower right corner you will see the type of file for which it is looking. It should be looking for a file ending with *.tax2019.
3. If that looks good, make sure the file that you downloaded also ends with .tax2019. 
4. You can download both .tax2019 and .pdf files from Turbotax online, but only the .tax2019 can be opened with the software. 
5. If your file types match and it is still isn't finding it, download the file again and save it somewhere you can find it easily, like your desktop. When the browser window opens, browse for the destination of the saved file. Highlight it and then click open.
6. If you are renaming the file, be sure not the change the .tax2019 at the end of the file name.

[vikastiwari99]

When I am opening my tax file I am getting error message "We do not support opening of the turbotax return files older than 2018. Please choose  2019 or 2018 tax return to continue your tax filling."

Please note I haven't used turbotax before so no chance its old file. I have got my tax return reject email and I need to open tax  file to correct the error, but I am unable to open it.

Also, I have saved file as .pdf format but unable to open that as well.

Could you please help me to know what are the options I have as my tax file is not opening?

[VolvoGirl]

Do you have the  tax file ending  in .tax2019?  That is the data file you need to browse to and open.  Where did you get it?

[vikastiwari99]

No the one I have is .taxback, I have tried to rename file but then I was getting error "We are having trouble opening your file. You can try using your back-up file instead." there is link in this error message to open back-up file instruction but link is broken.

[VolvoGirl]

If the file you have ends in .taxback that is not a Turbo Tax Return.  You must have used another online tax program to create it.

[vikastiwari99]

Ok, but i have .pdf that I have saved when I submit my returns. Even i tried to renamed it with .tax2019 and tried to open but didnt work either.

[VolvoGirl]

Nope.  If you have a pdf file you might be able to transfer it into NEXT year 2020 return.  You can only open a Turbo Tax Online or Desktop file ending in .tax2019 in the 2019 Desktop program. 

Why are you trying to open another company tax file in Turbo Tax?

[vikastiwari99]

Its not another company's tax return its turbo tax only and file has .taxbak extension itself that's the file generated automatically when I submitted return. I do understand its looking for .tax2019 format so I tried to renamed the extension manually to see if that works.

Also, in my PC no where I could find .tax2019 format file. When it prompts for error, it also suggest to use backup file, the link provided in error screen to find instructions how to get backup file also broken link. I dont know from where to get backup file now. Error code 102345.

[danhoggattjr]

I have already followed these steps and it still will not load prior year information.  It keeps taking me to a blank return.  I have uninstalled the TT software a couple of times and tried re-saving the .tax2019 files to my desktop.  Never had any problems before and I have been using TT for over 20 years now. What's up?

[KatrinaLO]

If you are having issues and need assistance, please contact customer support. Please see the Customer Support phone number here. If you would like to reach out through our website, please see the TurboTax FAQ below for contact information: https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/

[Jellyjar]

i downloaded .tax2019

to different location and tried to open it. got an error

[Jellyjar]

i did the same. even uninstalled 2019 software AND TRIED TO RELOAD SAVED TAX FILE.STILL GOT ERROR

[DoninGA]

---

@Jellyjar wrote:

i downloaded .tax2019

to different location and tried to open it. got an error

---

Are you trying to open the tax data file for 2019 using the TurboTax software for 2019 installed on your computer?

What is the error you are receiving?

[VolvoGirl]

It's probably error 190 for state.  After you get the program reinstalled the first thing to do before you open your tax return is to update the program and install any state programs you had. Then open your file. So you first might need to start a fake return to be able to download the state program (go to FILE - NEW). Enter some basic information, then go to the state tab and download the state program. Then try to open your existing return, go to FILE - OPEN

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/bugs-and-error-messages/help/error-190-when-opening-file-in-turbot...