Tax season often brings a flurry of activity, and sometimes, in the rush, we might misplace important documents. Your TurboTax tax return is a critical record, needed for everything from loan applications to future tax filings. But don't panic! Finding your TurboTax tax return is usually a straightforward process, whether you used their online platform or a desktop version.
Let's embark on this journey together to locate your valuable tax documents. Ready to dive in?
Navigating the Waters: Where Did My TurboTax Return Go?
Before we start, it's important to understand how TurboTax stores your returns. This often depends on how you filed:
TurboTax Online: If you used the online version, your returns are typically stored in your TurboTax account on their secure servers. This is often the easiest scenario.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): If you purchased and installed the CD or downloaded software onto your computer, your tax files are saved locally on your machine. TurboTax does not store these returns online for you.
Knowing this distinction will guide you to the correct retrieval method.
Step 1: Determine Your Filing Method (And What It Means for You!)
Did you file using TurboTax Online?
Fantastic! This is generally the simplest path. Your returns are likely waiting for you in your online account. Proceed to Step 2A.
Did you file using TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download software)?
No problem! Your returns are on your computer. You'll need to locate the specific files. Proceed to Step 2B.
Are you unsure which method you used, or can't access your TurboTax account?
Don't worry! There are still avenues to explore. Jump to Step 3.
Step 2A: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax Online (The Digital Treasure Chest!)
If you filed using TurboTax Online, follow these steps to access your prior-year returns. TurboTax typically saves PDF copies of your returns for up to seven years.
Sub-heading: Logging In to Your Account
Visit the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and go to
turbotax.intuit.com(orturbotax.caif you are in Canada). Always ensure you are on the official website to protect your sensitive financial information.Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" or "My Account" option, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter Your Credentials: Use the same User ID and Password you used when you filed your taxes for the year you are trying to retrieve.
Tip: If you have multiple Intuit accounts or are unsure of your credentials, try their account recovery options.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Returns
Once you're successfully logged in, there are typically two main ways to find your returns:
Via the "Tax Home" Section:
On your "Tax Home" page, scroll down until you find a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar.
You should see a list of tax years. Use the dropdown menu or simply click on the year you wish to access.
Once selected, you'll usually find options like "Download print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF". Click on this to download a PDF copy of your return to your computer.
Via the "Documents" Menu:
Some TurboTax interfaces might have a "Documents" or "My Docs" link in the main navigation menu (often on the left side).
Click on this, then choose the specific tax year you need.
You'll then see an option to "Download tax PDF".
Sub-heading: Saving and Printing Your Return
Once you've downloaded the PDF, save it to a secure and easily accessible location on your computer (e.g., a "Tax Returns" folder).
It's highly recommended to print a physical copy for your records as well. You can simply open the downloaded PDF and use your printer's function.
Step 2B: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax Desktop (On Your Computer's Hard Drive)
If you used the CD or downloaded software, your tax returns are stored locally on the computer where you prepared and saved them. TurboTax Online does not have copies of these.
Sub-heading: Locating the Tax File
Identify the Computer: First, make sure you are on the same computer you used to prepare and file that specific tax return. If you've upgraded computers, you might need to check your old machine or any backup drives.
Search Your Computer:
Windows:
Open "File Explorer" (the folder icon).
Navigate to your "Documents" folder. Many users save their TurboTax files here, often in a subfolder like "TurboTax" or "My TurboTax Files".
You can also use the search bar within File Explorer (usually at the top right) and search for files with the extension
*.tax(e.g.,2023TaxReturn.tax2023). The year will correspond to the tax year you're looking for.
Mac:
Open "Finder".
Look in your "Documents" folder, or search for files with the
.taxextension using Spotlight Search (Cmd + Spacebar).
Default Save Locations: While users can choose where to save, common default locations include:
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\TurboTax(Windows)~/Documents/TurboTax(Mac)
Sub-heading: Opening and Printing Your Return
Open the TurboTax Software: You will need the specific year's TurboTax software installed on your computer to open the
.taxfile. For example, to open a2023TaxReturn.tax2023file, you'll need the 2023 TurboTax Desktop software.Open the File: Once the software is open, go to "File" > "Open" and navigate to where you found your
.taxfile.Print Your Return: After opening the return, look for a "Print" option within the software. You can usually choose to print the official government forms as a PDF or directly to your printer.
Step 3: What If I Can't Find It on TurboTax? (Alternative Avenues)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to locate your return through TurboTax. Don't despair! The IRS (or your respective country's tax authority) keeps records.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Tax Transcript from the IRS (Free Option)
The IRS offers free tax transcripts that summarize your tax return information. This is often sufficient for various purposes (e.g., student loans, mortgage applications).
IRS Get Transcript Online: The easiest way to get a transcript is online. Go to
irs.govand search for "Get Transcript". You'll need to verify your identity.You can get a "Tax Return Transcript," which shows most line items from your original Form 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR, along with any associated forms and schedules.
You can also get a "Tax Account Transcript," which shows basic data from your return, financial transactions, and any adjustments made by you or the IRS.
Request by Mail: You can also request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). This can take 5 to 10 calendar days to arrive.
Note: Transcripts are typically available for the current year and the past three years.
Sub-heading: Requesting a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS (Paid Option)
If you need an exact copy of your original tax return, including all attachments, you'll need to file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Download Form 4506: Visit the IRS website (
irs.gov) and search for Form 4506.Fill Out the Form: Provide all required information, including your name, address, Social Security number, and the specific tax year(s) you need.
Pay the Fee: As of the current information, the IRS charges a fee per return copy (e.g., $43 per return). You'll need to include payment.
Mail the Form: Send the completed form and payment to the appropriate IRS address listed in the form's instructions.
Be aware: This process can take up to 75 calendar days to process.
Step 4: Future-Proofing Your Tax Records (A Proactive Approach!)
To avoid this scramble in the future, adopt these best practices:
Save as PDF: After e-filing your return with TurboTax Online, always download and save a PDF copy to your computer and possibly to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive).
Print a Hard Copy: Keep a physical copy of your filed return, along with all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.), in a secure folder or filing cabinet.
Organize by Year: Create separate folders (digital and physical) for each tax year.
Backup Regularly: If you use TurboTax Desktop, regularly back up your entire computer, including your tax files, to an external hard drive or cloud backup service.
Note Your User IDs and Passwords: Keep a secure record of your TurboTax User IDs and passwords in a password manager or a secure location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to finding your TurboTax tax return:
How to access old tax returns on TurboTax online?
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account, go to "Tax Home," then scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents" and select the desired year to download the PDF.
How to find a TurboTax desktop tax file on my computer?
Search your computer's "Documents" folder or use the search function for files ending in
*.tax[year](e.g.,*.tax2023).
How to retrieve a tax return if I forgot my TurboTax password?
On the TurboTax sign-in page, click "Forgot User ID or Password" and follow the recovery steps.
How to get a copy of a tax return if I no longer have access to my TurboTax account or email?
If you can't regain access to your TurboTax account, you'll need to request a transcript or a copy of your return directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T or Form 4506, respectively.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
Visit
irs.govand use the "Get Transcript Online" tool, or mail Form 4506-T.
How to order an exact copy of my tax return from the IRS?
Complete and mail Form 4506 (Request for Copy of Tax Return) to the IRS, along with the required fee.
How to find tax returns filed more than 7 years ago with TurboTax?
TurboTax generally saves online returns for seven years. For older returns, your best bet is to check your personal computer backups or request a copy from the IRS (though they may not have records beyond seven years).
How to know if I filed with TurboTax Online or Desktop?
If you paid a subscription fee or accessed TurboTax through a web browser each year, it was likely TurboTax Online. If you purchased a physical CD or downloaded software to install, it was the Desktop version.
How to print a tax return after downloading the PDF from TurboTax?
Open the downloaded PDF file on your computer and use your PDF viewer's print function (usually File > Print or a printer icon).
How to save my TurboTax return as a PDF for future reference?
After completing your return in TurboTax Online, there's usually a "Print/Save" option where you can choose to save it as a PDF. For desktop versions, use the "Print" function and select "Print to PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF" as your printer.
