Why doesn't tax returns from a CD/Downloaded version of TurboTax save the information in the cloud with TurboTax? It makes it look like I didn't file taxes.

[classicteacher]

When a computer fails, I do not have access to my prior years' returns.

[xmasbaby0]

If you used desktop software downloaded/installed from a CD to your own computer, then the tax files are stored locally on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.  They are not stored online.  If you cannot recover them due to a hard drive failure, etc. you can get a free transcript from the IRS or for a fee of $43, an actual copy of your tax return.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

[DoninGA]

As with any critical information on your personal computer you should Always make a back up of the information.  Backing up to a USB drive is the easiest way to make sure all your important files and other data will always be available.

If you used the desktop CD/Download editions installed on your computer, the only copy of your tax data file and any PDF's will be on the computer where the return was created.  TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.

Or go to this IRS website for free federal tax return transcripts - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

For a fee of $43 you can get a complete federal tax return from the IRS by completing Form 4506 - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf