"TurboTax Online does not provide the option to directly save your return as a .tax2025 file for transfer to the Desktop version within the online interface." Sucks!!!!

[CountryDog]

Don't use the online version. It sucks!!!!!! You can't access the IRS files to check its work. TurboTax expects you to trust the "black box" running the online version. Use H&R Block or anything but the online version of TurboTax!

[VolvoGirl]

Doesn’t this work to download the .tax2025 data file?   You can download it for free to continue in the Desktop program.   Save the tax file

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-...

To continue in the desktop version see this…….

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

Download the .tax  file for free

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

After you get the program installed the first thing to do before you open your tax return .tax file 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).  Just enter some basic personal info like your name and address then click on the State tab at the top and it should ask if you want to download the state program.

[xuqing_2010200r]

there is no such option from the instruction "The  Tools Center pop-up, select Save your 2025 return to your computer." there is no such option, what options I have are below:

Tools Center

Other helpful links...

• View Tax Summary
• Clear & Start Over
• Delete a form
• Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer
• File an extension
• Share my file with Agent

No save option at all!!!!!

[JohnB5677]

What version of TurboTax are you in?

I do have an option to Save your 2025 return to your computer

I am in the Online version, Premium software.

Tools Center

Other helpful links...

• View Tax Summary
• Clear & Start Over
• Delete a form
• Save your 2025 return to your computer
• Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer
• File an extension
• Share my file with Agent

@xuqing_2010200r 

[VolvoGirl]

For anyone that wants to download  their current online return to switch and continue in the Desktop program there is another way.

There is a new way to move and continue your Online return in the Desktop program. Have you downloaded and installed the Desktop program?

Then to continue in the desktop version see this…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

In the Desktop program try to OPEN your return. Do not click "Start a New Return." Go up to File-Open and click on "Continue From TurboTax Online."

[joe002]

Not there for everyone. My guess is that if you don't have the desktop version loaded on you computer then the on-line version won't offer the save option?

[joe002]

Once you submit on-line, under "Tax Home" near the bottom of the window under "Your tax returns & documents", the 2025 button shows up and from there you can save/create your .tax2025 file.

[mbed]

Mine does NOT have that option either. Even tried different browsers on mac and even on a Windows 11 Pro setup!

WHY?!

[MarilynG1]

In TurboTax Online, in the left-side menu, go to Tax Tools > Tools, and choose 'Save your 2025 tax file to your computer' from the Tools Center pop-up.  Your .tax2025 file will be in your Downloads folder on your computer. 

Open a new return in Desktop, and browse to this file to transfer, or just double-click on the file in Downloads to open in 2025 desktop program.

@mbed 

[muyes]

same for me. Did you figure out later? 

[MarilynG1]

You need to be in your TurboTax Online file to do this.  In the left-side menu, go to Tax Tools > Tools.  You should see the option to 'save your 2025 return to your computer' from the Tools Center pop-up menu.

You'll find the tax file in your Downloads file on your computer.

@muyes