Ways to open a TAX2020 file without using desktop TurboTax software?

Would the transcript show my itemized deductions? That's mainly what I need to see from last year to compare with this year's potential deductions.

Yes, the tax return transcript will show your itemized deductions if you filed a Schedule A. It includes information from most forms and schedules you filed, including your itemized deductions breakdown. The transcript might look a bit different from your original tax return format, but all the actual values and line items will be there. You can request it online and usually get it immediately as a PDF download.

Wait does this actually work? I'm skeptical about uploading my tax docs to some random website. Is it secure? What if someone steals my info?

Does it work with older returns too? I have TAX2018 and TAX2019 files that I can't open anymore since my TurboTax subscription expired.

Yes, it absolutely works! They use bank-level encryption for all uploads and don't store your documents after processing. I was hesitant at first too but read through their security info and felt comfortable. The files never leave your device - they're processed in your browser. It definitely works with older returns too. I tested it with my TAX2018 file and it converted it perfectly. You can view everything just like in the original return - all your income sections, deductions, credits, everything.

How does that even work? I don't understand how some service can get you to the front of a phone queue. Sounds like one of those "too good to be true" things.

Yeah right. There's no way this actually works. If it did, wouldn't everyone be using it? I've spent countless hours on hold with the IRS and TurboTax - pretty sure there's no secret backdoor or you'd hear about it everywhere.

It's not about getting to the front of the queue - it's that they have a system that navigates all the phone menus and waits on hold FOR you. When a human representative finally answers, you get a call connecting you directly. So you don't have to waste your time listening to hold music for hours. I was definitely skeptical too! But it's just clever automation, not any kind of "backdoor." They basically have a system that stays on hold so you don't have to. When it detects a human voice, it calls your phone and connects you. Everyone isn't using it simply because most people don't know about it yet.

I definitely learned my lesson about saving PDFs. I think I was just in a rush to finish my taxes last year and didn't take that extra step to save a separate PDF. Rookie mistake that won't happen again! Do you know if there's an actual legal requirement for TurboTax to provide access to my returns without buying their software?

There's no specific legal requirement forcing TurboTax to provide access to your returns without their software. This is actually a common strategy among tax software companies - they use proprietary file formats that only their software can open. It's frustrating but legal. For your 2024 returns, make sure you save a PDF copy before finishing - most tax software has a "Save as PDF" option right before filing. Some programs even email you a PDF copy automatically, so check your email from when you filed last year too. You might have a copy you forgot about!

This worked for me! Just logged into my TurboTax account and could view all my past returns for the last 7 years - even the ones I did through Free File! They were all available as PDFs I could download. No need for the TAX2020 file at all.

I just tried logging into my account and unfortunately they're only showing returns from 2021 and newer. Nothing from 2020 showing up at all. Maybe because I used the Free File program specifically? Or maybe they changed their policies. Still stuck trying to figure out how to view this file without buying their desktop software.

This is super helpful - I didn't know you could get both the return transcript AND the wage/income transcript! That combination sounds like it would give you everything you need to recreate a complete picture of your previous year's filing. Quick question about the online verification process at irs.gov/transcripts - what kind of information do they ask for to verify your identity? I've had issues with some government websites not recognizing my information correctly, so I'm wondering if I should just go straight to the phone option or mail request to save time. Also really appreciate the direct phone number for the transcript line - that's going to save me from digging around the IRS website trying to find the right contact info!

For the online identity verification at irs.gov/transcripts, they typically ask for your SSN, filing status, address from your most recent return, and sometimes details from a previous year's return or current financial accounts. The system can be finicky - if any details don't match exactly what they have on file, it'll kick you to the mail option. If you've had issues with government sites before, I'd honestly recommend just calling the transcript line directly at 1-800-908-9946. The wait times aren't too bad (usually 10-15 minutes) and you can request both transcripts in one call. They'll mail them to your address of record, which takes about a week but saves the frustration of fighting with the online system. When you call, just tell them you need your 2020 Tax Return Transcript and Wage & Income Transcript for personal records. They're very used to this request and the process is pretty straightforward over the phone.

For the online verification at irs.gov/transcripts, they typically ask for your Social Security number, filing status, current address, and a few details from your most recent tax return (like your adjusted gross income). They also use a credit bureau-style verification where they ask multiple choice questions about your credit history - things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was your monthly payment on your auto loan in 2022?" If you've moved recently or have a thin credit file, the online verification can definitely be tricky. The phone option at 1-800-908-9946 is usually more reliable - they just verify your identity with basic info and can mail the transcripts to your address on file with the IRS. Takes longer but much less frustrating than getting locked out of the online system!

For the online identity verification, they typically ask for your SSN, date of birth, filing status, and specific amounts from your prior year return (like your adjusted gross income). Sometimes they'll also ask about previous addresses or ask you to verify information from credit reports. If you're having trouble with the online verification, the phone line is definitely a good backup option. When I called 1-800-908-9946, I got through pretty quickly and they were able to verify my identity over the phone and mail me the transcripts within about a week. The phone agents can also explain exactly what information is included in each type of transcript so you can request exactly what you need. One tip: if you go the mail route, make sure to request both the "Return Transcript" and "Account Transcript" for 2020. The return transcript has all your form details and deductions, while the account transcript shows any payments, refunds, or correspondence. Together they give you the complete picture without needing that locked TAX2020 file!