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

You're running into a common issue with TurboTax's proprietary file format. The TAX2020 file is specifically designed to only open with TurboTax desktop software, which is frustrating but unfortunately intentional on their part. A couple workarounds to try: First, check if you saved a PDF copy of your return. Most people do this during the filing process, so look through your downloads or documents folders for something like "2020_Tax_Return.pdf". If you have that, you won't need the TAX2020 file at all. If you don't have a PDF, you can request a tax transcript directly from the IRS at irs.gov/transcripts for free. This will have most of the information you need from your 2020 return. It's not formatted exactly like your original return but contains all the important numbers and data.

I had this same problem last month! So annoying that they lock your own tax data behind a paywall. I found this amazing tool called taxr.ai that saved me a ton of hassle. I uploaded my TAX2020 file to https://taxr.ai and it actually converted it to a readable format I could view without needing TurboTax desktop software. The cool thing is it can analyze all kinds of tax documents - not just the TurboTax files but also those confusing IRS notices and transcripts. It's been super helpful for comparing my deductions from year to year without having to buy extra software.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai from the recommendation above and it actually worked perfectly! I was able to upload my old TAX2019 and TAX2020 files and view everything without buying TurboTax desktop. What a relief to finally see all my old deductions and credits for comparison. The interface was super simple - literally just drag and drop the file and it converts it instantly. Now I can finally get my 2024 taxes done with all the info I need!

Another frustrating TurboTax issue I ran into recently was trying to contact their support about accessing my old returns. Spent literally HOURS trying to get through their phone system and kept getting disconnected or stuck in those awful automated loops. Finally used Claimyr to get through (https://claimyr.com) and it was such a game changer. They have this system that navigates all the phone trees for you and gets you to a human representative without the wait. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Ended up connecting with a TurboTax rep who confirmed what others here have said - you either need the desktop software OR you can request a full tax transcript from the IRS instead. The rep actually helped me locate a PDF I had saved without realizing it.

Ok I have to eat my words and apologize for being so skeptical. After struggling for THREE HOURS trying to reach TurboTax support about accessing my old returns, I gave in and tried Claimyr out of desperation. Holy crap it actually worked exactly like described. Got a call back in about 35 minutes saying they had a TurboTax rep on the line ready to talk to me! The rep was able to help me recover my account and access my old returns through their online system instead of needing the desktop version. Saved myself from having to buy the software and saved hours of frustration. Consider me converted!

If you do have a PDF of your return (which you should always save separately!), you might not need to open the TAX2020 file at all. I always save three versions of my taxes each year: 1. The tax software's native file (.tax2020 for TurboTax) 2. A PDF of the complete return with all worksheets 3. A PDF of just the filed forms That way I'm never stuck needing to buy software again just to see my own information.

Another option nobody's mentioned - if you used IRS Free File through TurboTax last year, you might still be able to login to your TurboTax account online and view last year's return that way. They usually keep previous years available in your account even if you used the free version. Worth checking before trying other solutions.

That's really frustrating about your 2020 return not showing up in your online account! I had a similar issue where older Free File returns weren't appearing in my TurboTax account. Since you've already tried the online account route, I'd definitely recommend going with the IRS tax transcript option that Amara mentioned earlier. You can get it instantly online at irs.gov/transcripts and it will have all your 2020 tax information including itemized deductions if you filed Schedule A. The format is a bit different from your original return but all the numbers and details are there. I've used tax transcripts for exactly this purpose - comparing previous year deductions when preparing current returns - and they work perfectly. Plus it's free and comes directly from the IRS so you know it's accurate. Much better than having to pay TurboTax just to see your own tax data!

This is exactly the kind of predatory practice that makes dealing with taxes even more stressful than it already is! It's outrageous that TurboTax can essentially hold your own tax data hostage behind a paywall. I've been in a similar situation before and here's what worked for me: First, definitely try the IRS transcript route that others have mentioned - it's free and has all the information you need. But if you want something that looks more like your original return format, I've had good luck with some of the third-party tools mentioned here. The key thing for future years is to ALWAYS save a PDF copy of your complete return before you finish filing. Most tax software will let you export to PDF, and some even automatically email you a copy. I now save mine in three places: local computer, cloud storage, and email myself a copy. Never again will I be at the mercy of proprietary file formats! It's honestly shameful that tax software companies can get away with this kind of lock-in strategy, especially when they're dealing with people's essential financial records.

This whole situation is a perfect example of why I've switched to using open-source tax software whenever possible. Tools like FreeTaxUSA or even the IRS's own Free File Fillable Forms don't lock you into proprietary file formats that become inaccessible later. For your immediate problem, I'd definitely echo what others have said about the IRS transcript route - it's your most reliable option for getting the 2020 data you need. The format takes a little getting used to, but it has all the essential information including itemized deductions. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that some public libraries offer free access to tax preparation software, including TurboTax desktop versions. You might be able to open your TAX2020 file there if you really need to see it in the original format. Call your local library's reference desk to ask if they have tax software available during tax season. Going forward, I'd strongly recommend switching away from TurboTax entirely. Their business model is increasingly focused on creating these kinds of lock-in situations and upselling users. There are plenty of alternatives that won't hold your own tax data hostage!