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Returning Member
posted Nov 3, 2021 2:39:44 PM

Trying to Complete my 2020 tax return and do not know which program to use to open the documents from my computer.

I have tried numerous times to "Continue my 2020 Taxes" and every time I do, I can not open the saved documents that were saved to my computer a couple of months ago.  The question is, what program do I use to open the documents, OR how can I just start over to file my 2020 tax return?  

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11 Replies
Level 15
Nov 3, 2021 2:58:31 PM

If you started your 2018, 2019, or 2020 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. If you're also filing a state, be sure to download and install the corresponding state program (PC instructions | Mac instructions).

  1. Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.
    • If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.
  2. Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
  3. Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
  4. Select the file and click Open.
  5. You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available.

 

Returning Member
Nov 3, 2021 3:12:40 PM

Thank you for helping me.

 

I already bought and downloaded the software but it automatically takes me to 2021 and I am trying to file 2020 taxes.  It picked up the documents from my computer, but it is trying to file for 2021.  

Level 15
Nov 3, 2021 3:22:18 PM

Did you download the 2020 program or the 2021 ?   You need the 2020 program to complete the 2020 return ... hang onto the 2021 program for the 2021 return you file next year. 

 

 

If you started your 2018, 2019, or 2020 return in TurboTax Online but weren't able to file it before the shutdown, you can finish and paper-file it in the TurboTax download software for PC or Mac.

Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. If you're also filing a state, be sure to download and install the corresponding state program (PC instructions | Mac instructions).

  1. Now sign in at TurboTax.com using the same login you used to prepare your prior-year return.
    • If you don't remember it, try account recovery. Still no luck? Then just start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.
  2. Under Your tax returns & documents, select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
  3. Back in the CD/download software, select Find a Tax File, and then browse to the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
  4. Select the file and click Open.
  5. You can now finish up in the software. Your return will need to be paper-filed, as e-filing prior years is no longer available.

 

Returning Member
Nov 3, 2021 3:36:51 PM

There is no where to down load 2020

 

I go to my downloads and I can only see the software I purchased.  I see the 2020 option but its just a list not a download option.  

Level 15
Nov 3, 2021 3:42:03 PM

Click on the blue words ...  Start by purchasing and downloading the software and install it on your computer. Choose Deluxe ... it can handle everything ...

 

 

Level 15
Nov 3, 2021 3:43:09 PM

Did you pay for the Online version?  Then call support and ask for the Desktop program.  If you haven't paid for Online you can buy 2020 here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/ 

 

Then have you downloaded your tax return file from Online?  It ends in .tax2020.  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

 

 

New Member
Apr 13, 2022 4:31:25 PM

Trying ti complete my 2020 income tax ò

Intuit Alumni
Apr 13, 2022 4:56:14 PM

Can you please clarify? Are you trying to start your 2020 tax return?

If so, to file a prior year tax return you will need to use the CD/Download tax software. Please select a TurboTax product here to get started.

 

@Greg4844

New Member
Aug 21, 2022 12:19:03 AM

Why can't you find them. You say you didn't do them but you did .

New Member
Aug 21, 2022 12:20:28 AM

TurboTax you already filed my 2020 taxes so you should have my IGA I know where my 20/20 taxes were filed and it was with turbo tax why are you having such a f****** difficult time finding them

Level 15
Aug 21, 2022 1:57:38 AM

@ravencuties 

 

Ok ... YOU filed your own returns using the TT DIY program as a tool ... TT didn't file anything by itself.  So you need to log into the program to get your AGI ... if you did not save a PDF or paper copy of the return when you filed it then do so now.  If you use the same account as you did the prior year then the AGI should have been transferred forward automatically. 

 

 

 

How to access prior online returns

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/270...

Maybe you are in the wrong account … many people have multiple TT accounts and forget how to access them.  Log out of the account you are in now to use the account recovery tool.

 

Account recovery

https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535-forgot-your-turbotax-online-user-id-or-password

 

 

Or did you use the desktop version of TurboTax?  If so, the files are on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.

 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows