Save .tax file from software

[Irene2805]

If you are using TurboTax Online, you can download the .tax file using the steps outlined in this TurboTax Help article:

How do I save my TurboTax Online return as a tax data file?

[sazheng]

found the answer:

A .tax file can only be opened in the TurboTax CD/Download software. Because it's stored locally on your computer, we can't retrieve tax data files prepared in the TurboTax CD/Download software. E-filing doesn't keep a copy of your return on our servers.

How to find your tax data file

1. Select the Start Menu and select search or use Cortana search if you're using Windows 10.
2. Search for *.tax2020 (or whichever year you are searching for, *.tax2019,*.tax2018, etc.).
   • Don't double-click the tax file in the search results to open it. This can cause errors.
3. In the search results, copy the file's location or path. By default, TurboTax saves tax files in the My Documents TurboTax folder.
4. After locating the path to the tax file on your computer,open your tax return using the same version of TurboTax for that year.
   • For example, open your 2020 return in the TurboTax 2020 program and your 2019 return in TurboTax 2019.

Lost or misplaced your CD or download? Review yourreplacement options.

If you can't find your file, it may have been saved under a different Windows account or to an external storage device. Repeat these instructions in your other account(s) or after plugging in your external storage device.