Taxes

You do realize that you should always keep a copy of your filed returns, don't you? Are you sure he didn't give you pdf copies of the returns, because the turbotax data files would be useless without the program.

You do have another solution available to you. You can request transcript copies of your tax returns from the IRS for the past three years. The IRS does not maintain transcripts longer than that.

Ira Smilovitz

TurboTax no longer supports programs older than 2012. That means that any older program that you buy will be essentially useless. The copy you buy will almost certainly not be the final version, but you will not be able to get the updates for it. You also will not be able to get the state programs. If your tax return data file includes a state return, you will not be able to open the file without having the state program installed, even if you only want to look at the federal return.

You could try the TaxPrinter service at

. You send them your .tax data file and they send you back a PDF of the return, which you can then print with Adobe Reader. TaxPrinter has no connection with TurboTax. I have never used it. I'm just making you aware of it. Bob Sandler

Side questions:

What is contained in a transcript, and what does the IRS keep for longer than the past three years?

Perhaps getting an IRS "Tax Return" transcript(1), showing line-by-line entries for the return would be sufficient? Got to

for more info.

(1) Tax Return Transcript - shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. This transcript doesn?t show account changes made after the return is processed. A return transcript usually meets the requirements of lending institutions offering mortgages and student loans.