Have you ever found yourself in that all-too-common predicament? You're applying for a loan, or perhaps looking to refinance, and suddenly, you need a copy of last year's tax return. Or maybe you're simply trying to reconcile your finances and need to refer back to your previous filings. Whatever the reason, if you used TurboTax to file your taxes, you're in luck! Getting a copy of your prior year's tax return from TurboTax is generally a straightforward process, whether you used their online platform or the desktop software.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to retrieve your valuable tax documents. We'll cover both online and desktop versions, and even provide alternatives if you hit a snag. Let's dive in!
Retrieving Last Year's Tax Return from TurboTax
The method you'll use depends on how you filed your taxes with TurboTax. Did you use their convenient online platform, or did you prefer the traditional desktop CD/download software? Let's explore both scenarios in detail.
 |
| How To Get Last Year's Tax Return From Turbotax |
Scenario 1: You Filed Using TurboTax Online
If you leveraged the power and ease of TurboTax Online, your tax returns are securely stored on their servers. TurboTax typically keeps PDF copies of your filed returns for a period of seven years. This makes accessing them incredibly convenient.
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account
Ready to get started? The very first thing you need to do is sign in to your TurboTax Online account.
-
Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/(orhttps://turbotax.cafor Canadian users). -
Look for the "Sign In" or "My Account" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
-
Enter the User ID and Password you used when you originally filed your tax return for that year.
-
Important Note: If you have multiple TurboTax accounts or user IDs, ensure you're using the one associated with the tax return you're trying to retrieve. If you've forgotten your credentials, don't worry, we'll cover that in the FAQ section.
-
Step 2: Navigate to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll be taken to your TurboTax "Tax Home" or dashboard. This is where the magic happens!
-
Scroll down the page. You'll typically find a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar.
-
This section usually presents a list of the tax years you've filed with TurboTax.
Step 3: Select the Desired Tax Year
You're almost there! Now, you just need to pinpoint the specific year you're looking for.
-
You'll likely see a drop-down menu or a list of years.
-
Click on the year for which you need the tax return (e.g., "2023 Tax Year" for last year's return if it's currently 2024 tax season, or "2024 Tax Year" if it's 2025 and you're looking for the most recently filed).
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Step 4: Download Your Tax Return as a PDF
Once you've selected the correct tax year, you'll see options to view or download your return.
-
Look for a button or link that says "Download/Print Return (PDF)" or "Download Tax PDF."
-
Click this link to initiate the download. Your tax return will be downloaded to your computer as a PDF file, which includes your Form 1040 (or equivalent) and all associated schedules and attachments.
-
Save the PDF to a location on your computer where you can easily find it, such as your "Documents" or "Downloads" folder. Consider renaming the file for easy identification, e.g., "JaneDoe_2024TaxReturn.pdf".
Step 5: Print Your Return (Optional)
If you need a physical copy, printing is just a click away.
-
Open the downloaded PDF file using a PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader).
-
Select the printer icon or go to "File" > "Print" to print a hard copy for your records.
Scenario 2: You Filed Using TurboTax CD/Download Software
If you purchased and installed the TurboTax CD/Download software on your computer, your tax files are not stored online by TurboTax. Instead, they reside directly on the computer you used to prepare and file your return. This means you'll need to access that specific computer.
Step 1: Locate Your Computer and the TurboTax Software
This might sound obvious, but it's the crucial first step!
-
Turn on the computer you used to prepare and file your taxes for the year in question.
-
Ensure the TurboTax software for that specific tax year is still installed. If not, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or download.
Step 2: Open the TurboTax Program for the Correct Year
Each tax year has its own dedicated TurboTax software version.
-
Find and launch the TurboTax program for the year you're seeking (e.g., "TurboTax 2024" for your 2024 tax return). You can typically find it in your Start Menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).
Step 3: Open Your Tax Data File
Your tax return data is stored in a special file format.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
-
Once the TurboTax program opens, you'll usually see an option to "Open an existing return" or "Continue a previous year's return."
-
Navigate to where you saved your tax data file. By default, TurboTax often saves these files in your "Documents" folder, sometimes within a "TurboTax" subfolder, with a file extension like
.tax2024(for the 2024 tax year). -
Select your tax data file and click "Open."
Step 4: Print or Save Your Return as a PDF
With your tax return open in the software, you can now generate a printable or savable copy.
-
Look for options like "Print", "Save as PDF", or "File" > "Print" within the TurboTax program's menu.
-
You'll typically be given choices to print the official government forms, worksheets, or both. For your records, and for most purposes where you need a copy, selecting the "Official Federal and State Forms" option (or similar) is usually sufficient.
-
Choose to print to a PDF printer (most modern operating systems have one built-in, like "Microsoft Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF") if you want a digital copy, or to your physical printer if you need a paper copy.
-
Save the PDF to a clear, accessible location on your computer.
What if I Can't Find My TurboTax Files or Access My Account?
Sometimes, things don't go as smoothly as planned. Perhaps you've forgotten your login, lost your desktop files, or your computer crashed. Don't despair! There are still options.
Option A: TurboTax Account Recovery
If you're having trouble logging into your online account (forgot user ID, password, or lost access to your email/phone), TurboTax offers account recovery tools.
-
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and look for links like "Forgot user ID or password?" or "Account recovery."
-
Follow the prompts to verify your identity, which may involve answering security questions or receiving a verification code via a method you still have access to.
Option B: Request a Transcript from the IRS
The IRS itself can provide you with a tax return transcript or a tax account transcript. These are free and generally available for the current and three prior tax years.
-
A tax return transcript shows most line items from your original tax return, but does not include changes made after you filed (e.g., by the IRS).
-
A tax account transcript provides basic data from your return, including marital status, adjusted gross income (AGI), and any changes made by you or the IRS after you filed.
To request a transcript:
-
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" tool online:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript -
You can get it online (if you can verify your identity) or get it by mail.
-
You can also file Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) to receive a transcript by mail.
Option C: Request a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS
If a transcript isn't enough, and you need an exact copy of your original tax return with all attachments and schedules, you can request one directly from the IRS by filing Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return).
-
Be aware that the IRS charges a fee for each return requested (currently $43 as of 2024, but this can change).
-
This process can take up to 60 days.
-
Download Form 4506 from the IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506 -
Carefully fill out the form and mail it with the appropriate payment to the IRS address specified in the form instructions.
It's always a good practice to save PDF copies of your tax returns immediately after filing each year and store them in a secure, accessible location (e.g., a cloud drive, external hard drive, or even printed copies in a dedicated tax folder). This can save you a lot of hassle down the road!
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions related to retrieving your tax returns from TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to access my TurboTax account if I forgot my User ID?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and select "Forgot user ID or password?" You'll be prompted to enter your phone number or email address to recover your user ID.
How to reset my TurboTax password?
On the TurboTax sign-in page, click "Forgot user ID or password?" After entering your user ID, you'll be guided through steps to reset your password, usually involving a verification code sent to your registered email or phone.
How to find my tax data file if I used TurboTax CD/Download?
By default, TurboTax desktop files are often saved in your "Documents" folder, under a "TurboTax" subfolder, with a file extension like .tax20XX (e.g., .tax2024). You can also use your computer's search function to look for files with this extension.
How to get a tax return older than 7 years from TurboTax?
TurboTax generally saves online returns for up to 7 years. For returns older than that, your best bet is to request a copy directly from the IRS by filing Form 4506.
How to get a copy of my state tax return from TurboTax?
QuickTip: Reread for hidden meaning.
If you filed your state return through TurboTax Online, it will be included in the same PDF download as your federal return. If using the desktop software, it will be part of your saved tax data file, and you can print the state forms directly from the program.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" tool online at https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript to request a free tax return transcript or tax account transcript. You can get it online or by mail.
How to ensure I always have access to my tax returns?
Always save a PDF copy of your completed and filed tax return to your computer and/or a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox) immediately after filing. Consider printing a physical copy for a secure, organized folder as well.
How to handle multiple TurboTax accounts?
If you suspect you have multiple TurboTax accounts, try logging in with different email addresses or user IDs you might have used. TurboTax also has an account recovery tool that can help identify accounts linked to your information.
How to get a physical copy of my tax return from the IRS?
To get a physical copy of your actual tax return (not just a transcript), you must file Form 4506 with the IRS. There is a fee for this service, and it can take up to 60 days to process.
How to contact TurboTax support for further assistance?
If you've exhausted these options and still need help, you can usually find TurboTax's customer support contact information on their official website under a "Support" or "Contact Us" section. Be prepared to verify your identity for security purposes.
 |
