Retrieving your tax return from TurboTax is a common need, whether you're applying for a loan, need it for another financial application, or simply want a copy for your records. The good news is that TurboTax makes it relatively straightforward to access your past tax returns, especially if you filed online. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you get your hands on that important document.
How to Get Your TurboTax Tax Return: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Engage and Identify Your Filing Method!
Hey there! Need your TurboTax tax return? Don't worry, you're in the right place! The very first thing we need to figure out is how you filed your taxes with TurboTax. Did you use:
The TurboTax Online version (accessed through your web browser)?
The TurboTax CD/Download software (installed on your computer)?
Knowing this will dictate which path we take, as the retrieval process differs slightly. Take a moment to recall how you last prepared your taxes with TurboTax. Once you have that in mind, proceed to the relevant section below!
Step 2: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax Online
If you used TurboTax Online, your tax returns are securely stored in your account for a certain period. This is generally the easiest and most common method for retrieval.
2.1: Logging into Your TurboTax Account
Open your web browser: Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Locate the "Sign In" button: This is usually in the top right corner of the page. Click on it.
Enter your credentials: Input the User ID and Password you used when you originally filed your taxes.
Important Tip: If you've forgotten your User ID or password, look for links like "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" on the login page. TurboTax provides tools for account recovery. You'll typically need to provide your email address or phone number associated with the account.
2.2: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll land on your TurboTax "Tax Home" page.
Scroll down: Look for a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar. It might be near the bottom of the page.
Expand the section: There might be a "Show" or "View all" link to click to reveal your past returns.
Select the desired tax year: You'll see a list of tax years for which you've filed with TurboTax. Carefully select the year for the return you wish to retrieve.
2.3: Downloading and Printing Your Return
After selecting the tax year, you'll see options for that specific return.
Locate the "Download/print return (PDF)" link: This is the most common and convenient way to get a complete copy of your return. Click on it.
Save the PDF: Your browser will likely prompt you to save the PDF file to your computer. Choose a location where you can easily find it, such as your "Documents" folder or desktop.
Print (Optional): Once the PDF is downloaded, you can open it with a PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) and print a physical copy for your records.
That's it! You should now have a PDF copy of your TurboTax Online tax return.
Step 3: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax CD/Download Software
If you used the CD/Download version of TurboTax, your tax return files are stored locally on the computer you used to prepare and file your taxes, not on TurboTax's servers.
3.1: Locating Your Tax Data File
Identify the computer: You'll need to access the specific computer on which you installed the TurboTax software and filed your return for that year.
Search for the
.taxfile: TurboTax data files typically have a.taxextension (e.g.,MyTaxes2024.tax). You can use your computer's search function to look for files with this extension.Common Locations:
Windows: Look in your "Documents" folder, or a subfolder like "TurboTax" within "Documents."
macOS: Check your "Documents" folder.
Pro Tip: If you can't find it easily, open the TurboTax software for that year (if installed) and go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" or "Recent Files" to see where it was last saved.
3.2: Opening and Printing Your Return within the Software
Once you've located the .tax file:
Open the TurboTax software: Launch the specific year's TurboTax software that corresponds to the tax return you want to access.
Open the data file: Go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" (or similar) and navigate to the
.taxfile you found. Select it and click "Open."Navigate to the print/save option: Once your return is open in the software, look for options like "Print," "Save as PDF," or "Print Center." This is usually found under the "File" menu or a dedicated "Print & File" section.
Select your desired output: Choose to print the official IRS forms and any relevant worksheets. You can often choose to print to a physical printer or "print to PDF" to save a digital copy.
You've successfully accessed your return from your desktop software!
Step 4: What if You Can't Access Your TurboTax Account or Software? (Alternative Method: IRS Transcripts)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to retrieve your return directly from TurboTax. Perhaps you no longer have access to the email or phone number associated with your TurboTax account, or the computer with your desktop software crashed. In such cases, you can obtain a tax return transcript directly from the IRS.
4.1: Understanding IRS Transcripts
Tax Return Transcript: This shows most line items from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) as you filed it. It does not include changes made after you filed (e.g., by the IRS).
Tax Account Transcript: This provides basic data from your tax return, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income, and information about payments, penalties, and interest. It also reflects any changes made by the IRS after you filed.
4.2: How to Request IRS Transcripts
The IRS offers several ways to request transcripts:
Get Transcript Online (Fastest):
Go to the IRS "Get Transcript" page on IRS.gov.
You'll need to verify your identity using a secure process, which may involve providing financial account numbers (credit card, mortgage, student loan, etc.) and a mobile phone number associated with your name.
Once verified, you can immediately view, print, or download your transcripts.
Get Transcript by Mail:
If you can't verify your identity online, you can request a transcript by mail.
You'll use the same IRS "Get Transcript" page, but select the "Get Transcript by Mail" option.
The transcript will be mailed to your address of record with the IRS within 5 to 10 calendar days.
By Phone:
You can call the IRS automated transcript service at 800-908-9946.
Follow the prompts to request the type of transcript you need. It will be mailed to your address of record.
By Mail (Form 4506-T or 4506):
For a tax return transcript, complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
For an actual copy of your tax return (which is different from a transcript and includes all attachments), you'll need to complete Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. The IRS charges a fee for each copy requested using Form 4506, and it can take up to 75 calendar days to process.
While more involved, obtaining transcripts from the IRS is a reliable backup if you can't get your return directly from TurboTax.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about getting your TurboTax tax return, with quick answers:
How to Check the Status of My Tax Refund After Filing with TurboTax?
You can check your federal refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool (irs.gov/refunds) usually 24-48 hours after e-filing. For state refunds, check your state's Department of Revenue website.
How to Access Past Year Tax Returns on TurboTax Online?
Log in to your TurboTax Online account, scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents," and select the desired tax year to download the PDF.
How to Print My Tax Return from TurboTax Desktop Software?
Open the specific year's TurboTax software, open your .tax file, and then go to the "File" menu to find print options for your return.
How to Find My TurboTax User ID or Password?
On the TurboTax login page, look for "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links and follow the recovery steps, which usually involve your email or phone number.
How to Get a Copy of a Tax Return from the IRS if I Can't Access TurboTax?
You can request a free tax return transcript or tax account transcript from the IRS via their "Get Transcript" tool online or by mail (Form 4506-T). For an exact copy of the return, use Form 4506 (fee applies).
How to Download My TurboTax Return as a PDF?
In TurboTax Online, after logging in and selecting the tax year, look for the "Download/print return (PDF)" option. In desktop software, use the "Print to PDF" function.
How to Get My Tax Return if I Filed with TurboTax Free Edition?
The process is the same as for other TurboTax Online versions: log into your account, find your tax returns under "Your tax returns & documents," and download the PDF.
How to Get My Tax Return from More Than 7 Years Ago?
TurboTax generally saves returns for up to 7 years. For returns older than 7 years, you will almost certainly need to request a transcript or copy directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T or Form 4506.
How to Access a TurboTax Return if I Used a Different Email Address for Filing?
You must use the specific User ID and Password associated with the email address used when you originally created that TurboTax account and filed the return. You might need to use the account recovery tools if you don't recall the credentials.
How to Save My TurboTax Return for Future Reference?
Always save a PDF copy of your completed tax return to your computer's hard drive or a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. You can also print a physical copy and keep it in a secure location.