Navigating TurboTax When You've Already Filed Your Taxes: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey there, tax season survivor! Have you ever found yourself in that slightly panicked state where you've diligently filed your taxes, perhaps directly with the IRS or through another platform, only to later open TurboTax and wonder, "How on earth do I tell this software that I'm already done?" You're not alone! It's a common scenario, and thankfully, it's usually quite straightforward to handle.
This lengthy post will walk you through exactly what to do if you've already filed your taxes and now need to ensure TurboTax understands your situation. We'll cover various scenarios, from simply needing to access a copy of your return to amending a previously filed one. So, let's dive in!
Understanding Why TurboTax Might Think You Haven't Filed
Before we get to the "how," let's briefly touch on the "why." TurboTax is designed to guide you through the entire tax filing process. If you start a new return for a tax year that you've already completed elsewhere, the software naturally assumes you're preparing to file. It doesn't have an automatic way of knowing you've used a different method or platform.
The key takeaway here is that TurboTax is primarily a tax preparation and filing tool. It doesn't "communicate" with the IRS directly about your filing status unless you specifically use it to submit your return.
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| How To Tell Turbotax I Already Filed Taxes |
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Why Are You Even in TurboTax?
Alright, let's start with a bit of self-reflection! Why are you currently in TurboTax, or considering opening it, if you've already filed your taxes? Your reason for being there will dictate the path you need to take.
Sub-heading: Common Scenarios:
Scenario A: You filed elsewhere but need a copy of your return. Perhaps you used a different online service, a tax professional, or even filed by mail, and now you need a digital copy or to review what you submitted.
Scenario B: You filed with TurboTax previously, but now need to access an old return. This is common for loans, financial aid, or simply personal record-keeping.
Scenario C: You made a mistake on a previously filed return and need to amend it. This is the most complex scenario, as it involves correcting information already submitted to the IRS.
Scenario D: You're trying to file for a different tax year or a different person. Sometimes, confusion arises when attempting to prepare a new return for a different individual (e.g., a family member) or a different tax year, and you worry about overwriting your own already-filed return.
Scenario E: You started a return in TurboTax, but then decided to file elsewhere. You might have done some initial data entry, but then chose a different method for final submission.
Once you've identified your scenario, proceed to the relevant step below!
Step 2: If You Simply Need to Access a Previously Filed Return (Scenario A & B)
If your goal is simply to view or download a copy of a tax return you already filed, whether it was through TurboTax or another method, you generally do not need to "tell" TurboTax you filed. Instead, you need to access your past returns.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
Sub-heading: Accessing Returns Filed with TurboTax Online:
Sign In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account using the exact same user ID and password you used when you filed that specific return.
Navigate to Your Tax Home/Returns: Once logged in, look for a section like "Tax Home," "Your Tax Returns & Documents," or a similar option in the main menu or dashboard.
Select the Tax Year: You should see a list of tax years for which you have returns on file. Select the specific year you need.
Download/Print PDF: Look for an option to "Download/Print Return (PDF)" or similar. TurboTax usually saves PDF copies of your filed returns for up to seven years.
Pro-Tip: If you can't find it, ensure you're logged into the correct TurboTax account. Many people accidentally create multiple accounts over the years. Use their "Account Recovery" tools if needed.
Sub-heading: Accessing Returns Filed with TurboTax Desktop/CD:
If you used the desktop software (CD/Downloadable version), your tax files are stored locally on your computer, not online with TurboTax.
Locate the .tax File: Search your computer for files ending with the ".tax" extension (e.g., "My2024Taxes.tax2024"). These are your TurboTax data files.
Open with TurboTax Software: Open the TurboTax software for the corresponding tax year. Then, go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and navigate to where you saved your .tax file.
Print/Save PDF: Once the return is open, you can print a copy or save it as a PDF.
Sub-heading: Accessing Returns Filed Elsewhere or if TurboTax Doesn't Have it:
If you filed your taxes through a different software, a tax preparer, or directly with the IRS, TurboTax won't have a copy. You'll need to obtain it from the source you used, or directly from the IRS.
Contact Your Previous Preparer/Software: Reach out to the tax professional or company you used to request a copy of your filed return.
Request a Transcript from the IRS (Free): The IRS provides free tax transcripts. These show most line items from your return.
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get Transcript."
You can choose between a "Tax Return Transcript" (shows most line items from your original return) or a "Tax Account Transcript" (shows basic return info, adjustments, and payment history).
You'll need to verify your identity.
Request a Copy of Your Return from the IRS (Fee): If you need an actual copy of your entire return, including all forms and schedules, you can request it from the IRS by filing Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. There's a fee for this, and it can take up to 60 days.
Step 3: Amending a Previously Filed Return Using TurboTax (Scenario C)
This is where you do need to "tell" TurboTax you've already filed, in a sense. You're not starting a new return from scratch, but rather creating an amended one based on a return that's already been processed by the IRS. An amended return uses Form 1040-X.
Important Note: Do NOT file an amended return if the IRS simply corrected a minor math error or sent you a notice asking for more information. Only amend if there's a significant change to your income, deductions, credits, filing status, or dependents that affects your tax liability.
Sub-heading: Amending a Return Originally Filed with TurboTax:
This is the easiest scenario for amending, as TurboTax already has your original return data.
Log In and Access the Specific Return: Sign in to your TurboTax account for the year you need to amend. Go to "Tax Home" or "Your Tax Returns & Documents."
Initiate the Amendment Process: Look for an option like "Amend (change) a return," "Amend your return," or "Start an amended return." This option typically appears after your original return has been accepted by the IRS.
Follow TurboTax's Prompts: TurboTax will guide you through the process of making changes. It will automatically populate the original figures (Column A on Form 1040-X) and help you input the changes (Column B) to calculate the corrected amounts (Column C).
Explain Your Changes: On Form 1040-X, there's a section (Part III) where you must clearly explain the reason for your amendment. TurboTax will prompt you for this information.
Review and File: Carefully review the amended return. While some amended federal returns can be e-filed, many still require printing and mailing to the IRS. TurboTax will instruct you on the proper filing method. State amended returns almost always need to be mailed.
Tip: A slow skim is better than a rushed read.
Sub-heading: Amending a Return NOT Originally Filed with TurboTax:
This requires a bit more effort, as you'll first need to replicate your original return within TurboTax.
Start a "New" Return for the Specific Year: Begin a new tax return in TurboTax for the tax year you need to amend.
Enter ALL Original Information EXACTLY as Filed: This is crucial. You must meticulously enter all the income, deductions, credits, and personal information exactly as it was on your originally filed return. Have a copy of your original return handy for this.
Think of this as setting up a baseline in TurboTax that mirrors what the IRS already has on file for you.
Proceed to Amend: Once you've accurately entered all the original information, you can then initiate the amendment process within TurboTax (as described in the previous sub-heading).
Make the Necessary Corrections: Now, go through and make only the changes that led you to amend your return. TurboTax will track these changes.
Explain and File: Just like before, provide a clear explanation for the amendment and follow TurboTax's instructions for printing and mailing your Form 1040-X and any supporting schedules.
Step 4: Dealing with Multiple Returns or Different Tax Years (Scenario D)
If you're worried about confusing your own already-filed taxes with a new return you're starting (e.g., for a spouse, child, or a different tax year), here's how to manage it:
Sub-heading: Filing for a Different Person (Online TurboTax):
Each Taxpayer Needs a Separate Account: For TurboTax Online, each individual taxpayer must have their own unique TurboTax account with a separate User ID and password. This is paramount to prevent mixing up returns.
Do NOT try to prepare a new return for someone else within your existing TurboTax Online account. You will likely overwrite your own data or create confusion.
Sub-heading: Filing for a Different Person (Desktop/CD TurboTax):
Start a New Return File: With the desktop version, you can prepare multiple returns. When you start a new return for a different person, make sure to "Start a New Return" and save it with a distinct filename (e.g., "JohnDoe2024.tax2024," "JaneDoe2024.tax2024"). This keeps their data separate.
Sub-heading: Filing for a Different Tax Year:
TurboTax naturally handles different tax years as separate entities. When you open TurboTax, you'll typically select the tax year you want to work on. There's no risk of accidentally overwriting a prior year's filed return when you select a new tax year.
Step 5: If You Started a Return in TurboTax but Filed Elsewhere (Scenario E)
This is perhaps the simplest scenario. If you began working on your taxes in TurboTax, but then completed and filed them through another method (e.g., an accountant, another software, or by mail directly), you generally don't need to do anything in TurboTax.
No Action Required: Since you never actually transmitted the return from TurboTax to the IRS, TurboTax doesn't have an "active" filed return for you for that year. You can simply abandon that started return in TurboTax.
Optional: Delete the Incomplete Return: If you want to keep your TurboTax account tidy, you may have an option to delete an "in progress" return, but it's not strictly necessary.
Final Thoughts: The IRS is the Ultimate Authority
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Remember, no matter what TurboTax "thinks," the IRS is the ultimate authority on whether your taxes have been filed and what information they have on record.
Always keep good records of your filed tax returns, including confirmation numbers, dates of filing, and copies of the submitted forms.
Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" and "Where's My Amended Return?" tools to check the status of your federal returns directly with the IRS. These are the definitive sources for confirmation.
By following these steps, you can confidently navigate TurboTax even when your tax filing journey has taken a few turns!
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my e-file status in TurboTax?
To check your e-file status in TurboTax, sign in to your TurboTax online account. Your e-file status (pending, accepted, or rejected) should be clearly displayed on your "Tax Home" or a similar dashboard page after you've submitted your return.
How to get a copy of my tax return if I filed with TurboTax last year?
Sign in to your TurboTax online account using the same user ID. Go to "Tax Home" or "Your Tax Returns & Documents," select the desired year, and choose the option to download or print your return as a PDF.
How to amend a tax return in TurboTax if I already filed and need to make a correction?
Log in to your TurboTax account for the tax year you want to amend. Look for an option like "Amend (change) a return." TurboTax will guide you through Form 1040-X to make the necessary corrections.
How to find out if the IRS has received my tax return?
Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website (irs.gov/refunds). You'll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to check its status.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to file an amended state tax return with TurboTax?
After amending your federal return in TurboTax, the program will prompt you if a state amendment is needed. Follow the instructions to prepare the state amended return (often a Form 1040-X equivalent for your state), which typically needs to be printed and mailed.
How to get my previous year's tax information if I didn't use TurboTax?
You can request a free tax transcript from the IRS at IRS.gov ("Get Transcript") or a full copy of your return by filing Form 4506 with the IRS (which has a fee).
How to start a new tax return for a different person in TurboTax Online?
For TurboTax Online, each taxpayer needs a separate, unique TurboTax account (different user ID and password). You cannot prepare a separate return for another person within your own online account.
How to know if I need to amend my tax return?
You generally need to amend if there's a significant change to your income, deductions, credits, or filing status that affects your tax liability. You usually don't need to amend if the IRS simply corrected a math error.
How to avoid duplicating a tax filing if I started in TurboTax and then filed elsewhere?
If you started a return in TurboTax but ultimately filed through another method, you simply abandon the incomplete return in TurboTax. Since you didn't transmit it from TurboTax, there's no risk of a duplicate filing.
How to check the status of an amended return?
Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on the IRS website (irs.gov/amendedreturn). You'll need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and ZIP code. Note that amended returns can take 8-16 weeks or more to process.
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