Open TAX12 File
The extension TAX12 is associated primarily with the 'Tax Return File' format developed by Intuit Inc. for their software TurboTax (a tax preparation software). Its useful to know the formats and ways to open these files if you intend to utilize such software for managing your taxes.
Using TurboTax to Open TAX12 Files
The simplest way to open a TAX12 file is by using the software that created it, which is TurboTax. To do this, first install the TurboTax software if you havent already. Then, within the software, there should be an option to 'Open...' under the File menu. Here you can navigate to your TAX12 files and open them. Remember that you should have the relevant tax years version of TurboTax to open the corresponding TAX12 file.
Converting TAX12 files to PDF
If you would like to access your tax return data outside of TurboTax or you want to share it in a read-only format, you can convert your TAX12 files to PDF. To perform this conversion, follow these steps: first use TurboTax to open the TAX12 file. Within TurboTax, go to the 'Print & File' tab and then select the 'Save to PDF' option. This will convert the file to a PDF format that you can open with any PDF reader.
Third-Party Software for TAX12 Files
While TurboTax is the main software to work with TAX12 files, there are also several third-party software solutions available that can open and manage these files. One notable solution is TaxACT, a less expensive alternative to TurboTax. However, while TaxACT can import data from TAX12 files, the TurboTax software will provide the smoothest experience for dealing with these files.
TAX12 File Important Information
TAX12 files contain sensitive data. It's important to keep these files securely stored and share them with caution. They contain financial and personal identity information and could be targeted by identity theft criminals. Be sure to always have a secure backup of these files and delete any unnecessary copies. Additionally, when a tax year gets old, its corresponding version of TurboTax becomes harder to find. It would be sensible to keep a copy of the software along with the TAX12 files that it works with.