How to Find Your Tax Return in TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
Ever found yourself in a bind, needing a copy of a past tax return and wondering, "How in the world do I find my tax return in TurboTax?" You're not alone! Whether it's for a mortgage application, a student loan, or simply for your own records, accessing your previous tax filings is a common need. The good news is, if you've used TurboTax, retrieving your returns is often surprisingly straightforward.
Let's dive into a step-by-step guide to help you locate those important documents, no matter how you filed!
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Filing Method – This is Crucial!
Before we go further, let's figure out how you filed your taxes with TurboTax. This is the single most important piece of information for finding your return, as the steps vary significantly.
Did you use TurboTax Online (web-based)? This means you logged into a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari) to prepare and file your taxes directly on the TurboTax website.
Did you use TurboTax CD/Download (desktop software)? This means you purchased and installed the TurboTax software directly onto your computer (Windows or Mac) and prepared your taxes offline.
Take a moment to recall which method you used. This will guide you to the correct instructions below.
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| How To Find Tax Return Turbotax |
Step 2: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax Online
If you filed using TurboTax Online, your returns are typically stored securely within your TurboTax account for a period of up to seven years.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into Your TurboTax Account
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Open your web browser: Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter Your Credentials: Carefully enter the User ID and Password you used when you filed that specific tax year. If you have multiple Intuit accounts, make sure you're using the correct one associated with your tax filings.
Tip: If you've forgotten your User ID or Password, TurboTax has "Forgot User ID" and "Forgot Password" links to help you recover them. Be prepared to answer security questions or verify your identity.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Access Your Tax Home: Once successfully logged in, you should land on your "Tax Home" screen. This is your central hub for all things TurboTax.
Scroll Down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": On the Tax Home screen, scroll down until you see a section explicitly labeled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar.
Select the Desired Year: There will likely be a dropdown menu or a list of years. Click on the year for which you need the tax return.
Sub-heading 2.3: Downloading Your Return as a PDF
Locate "Download/Print Return (PDF)": After selecting the year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)". This is what you're looking for!
Click to Download: Click this option. Your tax return (including all schedules and forms) will typically download as a single PDF file to your computer's "Downloads" folder or your preferred download location.
Save and Print: Once downloaded, it's highly recommended to save this PDF file to a secure location on your computer (e.g., a dedicated "Tax Documents" folder) and also print a physical copy for your records.
Step 3: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax CD/Download Software
If you used the CD/Download version of TurboTax, your tax return files are stored directly on the computer where you prepared and saved them. TurboTax does not store these online for you.
Sub-heading 3.1: Finding Your Tax Data File (.tax file)
Locate the Computer Used for Filing: You'll need to be on the same computer you used to prepare and file that specific year's tax return.
Search Your Hard Drive: Tax data files typically have a
.taxextension (e.g.,My2024TaxReturn.tax2024).Common Locations:
Windows: Look in "Documents" or "My Documents," often within a folder named "TurboTax." You might also find them in a folder specific to the tax year (e.g.,
C:\TurboTax\2024).Mac: Check your "Documents" folder or a "TurboTax" folder within your applications.
Pro Tip: Use your computer's search function (Windows Search bar, macOS Spotlight) and search for
*.taxor*.tax2024(replace "2024" with the relevant tax year).
Open the Correct Tax Year's Software: Once you find the
.taxfile, you'll need the corresponding year's TurboTax software installed on your computer to open it. For example, to open aMy2024TaxReturn.tax2024file, you need TurboTax 2024 installed.If you don't have the software installed, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or download.
Sub-heading 3.2: Printing/Saving Your Return from the Software
Launch the TurboTax Software: Open the TurboTax program for the relevant tax year.
Open Your Saved Return: From within the software, go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and navigate to where you found your
.taxfile. Select it and click "Open."Print/Save as PDF: Once your return is open in the software:
Go to "File" > "Print" to print a physical copy.
Go to "File" > "Save As PDF" or "Print to PDF" (the exact wording may vary) to save a digital copy. This is a highly recommended practice for all future returns!
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
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Step 4: What if You Can't Find Your Return Anywhere (TurboTax or Computer)?
Don't panic! Even if your TurboTax efforts come up empty, you have another reliable option: the IRS.
Sub-heading 4.1: Requesting a Tax Transcript from the IRS
A tax transcript is a summary of your tax return information. It includes most line items from your original return but does not include any changes made after you filed (like IRS adjustments). Most lenders and institutions will accept transcripts instead of full copies.
Availability: Transcripts are generally available for the current tax year and the three prior tax years.
How to Request:
Online: The fastest way is through the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool on IRS.gov. You'll need to verify your identity.
By Mail: You can request a transcript be mailed to you (takes 5 to 10 calendar days) using the "Get Transcript by Mail" option on IRS.gov, or by calling their automated phone transcript service.
Form 4506-T: You can submit IRS Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, by mail or fax.
Sub-heading 4.2: Requesting a Full Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS
If you need an exact copy of your original tax return (including all schedules and attachments), you can request one directly from the IRS.
Availability: Exact copies are available for the current and past six tax years.
How to Request: You'll need to submit IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Note: There is a fee for each tax return requested (currently $43 per return). This process can also take up to 75 calendar days to process, so plan accordingly if you need it quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to finding your tax return in TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to Check if My TurboTax Account Has My Old Returns?
Sign in to turbotax.intuit.com, go to "Tax Home," then scroll to "Your tax returns & documents" and select the year from the dropdown.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
How to Download a PDF of My TurboTax Return?
For TurboTax Online, after selecting the year in "Your tax returns & documents," click "Download/print return (PDF)." For desktop, open the file in the software and use "File" > "Save As PDF."
How to Find My .tax File on My Computer?
Search your computer's hard drive for files ending in .taxYYYY (e.g., .tax2024) in your "Documents" folder or a "TurboTax" folder.
How to Access TurboTax Returns Older Than 7 Years?
TurboTax generally keeps returns for 7 years. For older returns, you will likely need to request a transcript or full copy directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T or Form 4506, respectively.
How to Get My Tax Return if I Forgot My TurboTax Login?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links. You'll need to verify your identity.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
How to Print My Tax Return from TurboTax Online?
Download the PDF copy as described in Step 2.3, then open the PDF file and use your PDF viewer's print function.
How to Request a Free Tax Transcript from the IRS?
Visit IRS.gov, select "Get Your Tax Record," and choose "Get Transcript Online" or "Get Transcript by Mail."
How to Get a Full Copy of My Tax Return from the IRS?
Fill out and mail IRS Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, to the address specified on the form. Be aware there's a fee and it takes time.
How to Transfer My Prior Year TurboTax Data to a New Return?
When starting a new year's return in TurboTax Online or Desktop, there's usually an option to "Transfer last year's data." You'll need access to your prior year's .tax file (for desktop) or your online account (for online).
How to Ensure I Always Have Access to My Tax Returns?
Always save a PDF copy of your completed tax return to a secure, backed-up location (like cloud storage or an external hard drive) immediately after filing each year. Also, print a physical copy for a secure file.
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