The TaxAct desktop software allows you to create a backup file of the current return you are working on. This file can then later be restored should you need to recover that specific version. This file will be designated with a new extension, .baX (where X is the last digit of the tax year.  Example for a 2023 backup: 2023 Individual Tax Return.ta3.ba3).

To back up your file:

1. From within your TaxAct Desktop return, click File in the upper menu bar, then click Backup (professional program: you will need to hover your mouse over Backup, then click Client Return(s) or Preparer's Information).
2. In the Save As dialog box, you will need to choose where you wish to save the backup return.

To restore your backup:

1. From within your TaxAct Desktop return, click File in the upper menu bar, then click Restore Backup (professional program: you will need to hover your mouse over Restore Backup, then click Client Return(s) or Preparer's Information).
2. In the dialog box, locate and click your backup file.
3. Click Open.