.taxbak file, why do

[ascates-spencer]

1. What is a .taxbak file, why do I have lots of them? My last .tax2022 file will no longer open. I get this error message: We do not support opening of the Turbo Tax return files older than 2021. Please choose a 2022 or 2021 tax return to continue your tax filing.

[Mike9241 · Accepted solution]

either you have malware or most likely you did not use Turbotax for those years.   when you open Turbotax return it will create a backup file but the name will be ~name.taxyyyy

[eyeballjames]

The taxbak files are backup files that auto generate everytime you hit save button.  Turbo tax have a bug for 2-3 years now that would loose you file once saved.  This happened to me again just now so I thought I shared my experience so you don't panic when this does happen to you.

These are the step I take everytime I use TurboTax:

#1 ALL WAY SAVE PDF COPIES just in case before and after filing your return.

#2 I always save 2 copies and  have my File Explore tab open to confirm saved files ( Turbotax should have a backup file that auto generated but that sometimes goes missing too)

#3 When file is missing, don't panic.  Look for the newest .taxbak file and rename it .tax2024 then goto file tax returns and click on it and you should recover the missing tax return.  You should then repeat step #2 to save copies.

Hope this save someone from having a panic attack... 🙂