TurboTax Premier 2020 and TurboTax 2021 not finding my returns when starting TurboTax

[iowasix]

You are so kind to make these suggestions. I followed the one with the guy who found his using admin credentials. Also tried opening as admin - didn't make a difference. Could not find any folder that was user/admin. I have checked the show hidden files. Also worked in the command prompt to find any admin folder. I have no idea why I have no admin folder. Another mystery.  I have accepted that this file is lost and started over.  I started a new return and am half way to where I was before. I saved the file with a different name just in case this one reappeared but it's nowhere to be found. Also  I am working on a microsoft surface windows 10 and checked my onedrive as someone suggested. No luck. Found some pictures I thought I had lost forever from 5 years ago - so thank you for that! Moving on with life now.. no explanation for this at all. I've used tt for years. Never had this happen before.

[Critter-3]

You can (and should) save the return often and regularly not just when you close the program.  You have the option to change the file name every time so you never over write any other file ... like you can add "after W-2 ", "after Sch C",  "after Sch E" etc .... you just need to make sure you continue using the latest tax file unless you want to go back to a prior version.  

In case you did not already know ....

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

• Why would I use Forms Mode?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Windows software?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Mac software?
• What is-the-meaning-of-all-the-different-colors-in-forms-mode

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

• >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy: 
• 1.  Open your return in TurboTax. 
• 2.  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
• 3.  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• 4. Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
•  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

• >>  use the WHAT IF tool: 
• - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
• - Click on the Open Form Icon 
• - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
• - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
• - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

Once you have filed successfully … you can shut off the auto updater function and then save the return &  .taxfile.

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1. From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
   • Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
3. In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
4. Click Save and then close TurboTax.
5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

• Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?

AND protect the files :

• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

*** Other clues to the downloaded program ***

In the forms mode ... double click  or right click on a box on a form to data source it ... sadly it doesn't work on all boxes. 

What's the meaning of all the different colors in Forms Mode?

When you look at an onscreen tax form using Forms Mode, you might wonder why one figure is blue and the one next to it is red or black.

These colors indicate the source of that data.

Color	Meaning
Blue	You entered this data, either in the interview or Forms Mode.
Black	The program entered this data or calculated this amount.
Red	This data has either been overridden or is invalid (for example, a ZIP code that doesn't exist).
Red italics	You marked this amount as estimated.
Black italics	The program calculated this amount from an amount you marked as estimated.
Purple	This information has supporting details.
Aquamarine	This data was transferred over from last year.
Green	This data was imported from Quicken or QuickBooks.
Yellow fields (Windows)	Yellow fields allow user input. Anything you enter here shows up in blue.

[Critter-3]

If you has a WIN OS update check the trash ... sometimes files end up in there?

[Dnklorick]

I have a similar problem.  I used the 2020 premier disk and it asked me to save the 2020 disk's  return into a PDF.  I could upload the files but only 4 category showed up and all of the data was missing from rental sections. No names or any other data.  None the last years interest or dividend.  

I have called the helpline 3 times and 2 times I am sure the person answering has never filled out their own return so they seemed completely lost when discussed the missing data fields.  Each time they say that they will return the call after research but none have.  incredibly frustrating

[KatrinaLO]

Please reach out to us directly using the information in the Help Article here.  We are not able to review account information in this forum, but we would be happy to assist you directly via phone. 

[Critter-3]

The program saves the return as a .taxfile automatically if you ask it to save the return as you close the program.   Saving as a PDF must be done purposely.   To transfer the prior year info to the next tax year you MUST use the .taxfile  ... what little comes over from the PDF is not worth the effort.  

[mc--531]

I downloaded the 2021 in Windows 10 Microsoft Edge.

I started my input 2021, saved it and closed.  I tried to open it the next day and the info was gone and the program sat there on a slow spin. I entered the "asked for" info to sign again multiple(!) times and it always came up "no match found".  A few times it stated the problem was on "there end" and they were on it.  Nothing ever happened.  There is no way to sign in if the program does not match the primaries file info.  I've phoned several times for support  and was linked to the same "sign-in" page it still no match found. Last phone call was dropped while waiting for a representative.  I tried to set up a new account  that finally led to this.

Last year the Fed did not accept TurboTax filing and I ended up mailing it.  Took much longer but was accepted with $20 interest refund for taking so long.  We've used this program for years but am so frustrated I am about to stop.  Please help us and not send us links that go in endless loops. 

Lastly-how do I get to a schedule C without buying an additional $89 program.  I've filled out the "C" for years and never had a problem using it.\

I do really appreciate you support on these matters. 

Thank you.  mc--531 William Ebert & Charlene Renne/ or char1935

[VolvoGirl]

@mc--531   You don't need to sign into the Desktop program.   Are you trying to get into the Online version by mistake?  The Online version has a black menu bar down the left side.  

You still can enter Schedule C into all the Desktop programs.  Should be the same as before.  

Try rebooting your computer.  Did you get the program installed and Activated with the 16 digit License Code?  

[dennis Mercer]

I could not file my 2021 tax return electronically.

I filed a hard copy 6 months ago.

Now I'm trying to recall my work for the 2021 tax period.

Dennis A Mercer,  [email address removed]