Feeling that sudden need to dig up an old tax return? Maybe you're applying for a loan, doing some financial planning, or perhaps the IRS just sent you a letter (don't panic!). Whatever the reason, accessing your previous tax returns on TurboTax is usually a straightforward process. Let's walk through it together, step-by-step, to get you the documents you need.
How to View Previous Tax Returns on TurboTax
Whether you used the online version or the desktop software, TurboTax has ways to help you retrieve your past tax documents. The process differs slightly, so we'll cover both scenarios.
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Version and Account
Are you ready to retrieve your past tax returns? Great! Before we dive in, let's figure out how you filed. This is crucial because the retrieval method varies significantly based on whether you used TurboTax Online or the CD/Download (desktop) version.
Sub-heading 1.1: TurboTax Online Users
If you prepared and filed your taxes directly through the TurboTax website, then your returns are stored securely on their servers. This is often the easiest scenario for retrieval, as you can access them from almost any device with an internet connection.
Sub-heading 1.2: TurboTax CD/Download Users
If you purchased and installed the TurboTax software on your computer (the CD or downloaded version), then your tax files are typically saved directly onto your hard drive, not online. This means you'll need to access the computer you used to file to find them.
Step 2: Accessing Your Returns (TurboTax Online)
This section is for those who filed using TurboTax's online platform. Get ready to log in!
Sub-heading 2.1: Log In to Your TurboTax Account
Go to the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to myturbotax.intuit.com. It's vital to always use the official website to protect your sensitive tax information.
Enter Your User ID and Password: Use the same user ID and password you used in previous years. If you've forgotten your login credentials, don't worry, TurboTax provides recovery options. Look for links like "Forgot user ID?" or "Forgot password?" and follow the prompts.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigate to "Tax Home"
Once successfully logged in, you'll usually land on your "Tax Home" screen. This is your central hub for all things TurboTax.
Sub-heading 2.3: Locate "Your tax returns & documents"
Scroll Down: On the "Tax Home" page, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents".
Select the Desired Tax Year: Within this section, you'll find a dropdown menu or a list of your filed tax years. Carefully select the specific tax year for which you need the return.
Download Your Return: After selecting the year, you should see an option to "Download tax PDF" or "Download/print return (PDF)". Click on this to save a copy of your tax return to your computer.
Sub-heading 2.4: Alternate Access via "Documents" Menu
Some users might find an alternative path:
Look for "Documents": On the left-hand menu (or a similar navigation bar), you might see a "Documents" option.
Choose Tax Year and Download: Click on "Documents," then select the tax year you want, and finally, select "Download tax PDF."
Pro Tip: Once you've downloaded the PDF, it's a good idea to save it to a secure, easily accessible location on your computer or a cloud storage service. Consider renaming the file to include the tax year (e.g., "2023_Tax_Return_LastName.pdf") for easy identification.
Step 3: Accessing Your Returns (TurboTax CD/Download)
If you used the desktop software, your files are on your computer. Let's find them!
Sub-heading 3.1: Open Your TurboTax Software
Launch the Program: Open the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you wish to retrieve. For example, if you need your 2022 return, open your 2022 TurboTax software. If you've uninstalled it, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or download.
Locate Your Tax File: Once the software is open, you'll need to locate your tax data file. These files typically have a
.taxextension (e.g.,mytaxes2023.tax). TurboTax usually saves them in a default location, such as your "Documents" folder, or within a "TurboTax" subfolder.Common Default Locations:
Windows:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\TurboTaxMac:
Macintosh HD/Users/[Your Username]/Documents/TurboTax
If you can't find it: Use your computer's search function and search for
*.taxfiles.
Sub-heading 3.2: Open the Correct Tax File
Double-Click the File: Once you've located the
.taxfile for the desired year, double-click it. This should open the return within the TurboTax software.Verify Information: Always verify that it's the correct return by checking the names, addresses, and key financial figures.
Sub-heading 3.3: Print or Save as PDF
Print Option: Inside the software, look for a "Print Center" or "Print" option. This will allow you to print a physical copy of your return.
Save as PDF: Even if you're printing, it's highly recommended to also save a copy as a PDF. This ensures you have a digital backup. Look for an option like "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF" within the print menu.
Important Note: TurboTax does not store returns filed with the CD/Download version online. If your computer crashes or the files are lost, you won't be able to retrieve them from TurboTax's website. Always back up your tax files!
Step 4: What if You Can't Find Your Returns on TurboTax?
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Sub-heading 4.1: Check for Multiple Accounts
It's surprisingly common! Many users inadvertently create multiple TurboTax accounts over the years, perhaps with different email addresses or user IDs. Try logging in with any other email addresses or user IDs you might have used. TurboTax usually has an "Account Recovery" feature that can help you identify all accounts associated with your information.
Sub-heading 4.2: Contact TurboTax Support
If you've exhausted all options and still can't find your returns, reach out to TurboTax customer support. They may be able to help you locate your account or provide further guidance. Be prepared to verify your identity.
Sub-heading 4.3: Request from the IRS (Federal Returns)
As a last resort for federal tax returns, you can request a transcript or a copy directly from the IRS.
Tax Transcripts: These are free and provide most of the line items from your return (like AGI, income, and payment info). You can often get these online, by mail, or by phone.
Copies of Your Return (Form 4506): For a complete copy of your filed return, including all schedules and attachments, you'll need to submit Form 4506 to the IRS. There's typically a fee for each return requested, and it can take up to 60 days to process.
Note: The IRS generally destroys most tax returns after seven years.
Step 5: Best Practices for Future Reference
To avoid this scramble in the future, adopt these habits!
Sub-heading 5.1: Always Save a PDF Copy
After you've filed your taxes each year, immediately save a PDF copy of your complete tax return to a secure location on your computer and a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive).
Sub-heading 5.2: Print a Physical Copy
While digital is convenient, having a physical, printed copy of your tax return is still a good idea. Store it in a safe, organized place with other important financial documents.
Sub-heading 5.3: Keep Your Login Information Secure
Make sure you keep your TurboTax user ID and password in a secure, memorable place (a password manager is ideal!).
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about viewing previous tax returns on TurboTax:
How to access a prior year return if I used a different email address?
You'll need to log in with the specific email address (user ID) you used for that particular tax year. TurboTax's "Account Recovery" tools can help you find all accounts linked to your personal information.
How to view my tax return if I only have the TurboTax CD?
You must open the TurboTax software for that specific year on the computer where you saved the tax file (.tax extension). The return is stored locally, not online.
How to get a tax return older than 7 years from TurboTax?
TurboTax online typically stores returns for a 7-year period. If your return is older than that, you will likely need to request a transcript or copy directly from the IRS.
How to save my tax return as a PDF from TurboTax Online?
Once logged in, navigate to "Tax Home," then "Your tax returns & documents," select the year, and click on "Download tax PDF" or "Download/print return (PDF)."
How to find my AGI from a previous TurboTax return?
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is prominently displayed on Form 1040 of your tax return. Once you access your PDF copy, you can easily find it.
How to get a free copy of my past tax return from TurboTax?
If you filed with TurboTax Online, you can download PDF copies of your past returns for free directly from your account. If you used the desktop software, you can open and print/save the files from your computer.
How to view state tax returns from previous years on TurboTax?
State tax returns are usually included as part of your overall tax return package when you download the PDF from TurboTax. They will be separate forms within the same document.
How to retrieve a return if I've forgotten my TurboTax password?
On the TurboTax login page, click on "Forgot user ID or password?" and follow the prompts to reset your password and regain access to your account.
How to get a copy of my tax return if I filed with TurboTax but my computer crashed?
If you used TurboTax CD/Download and your computer crashed without a backup, you won't be able to retrieve it from TurboTax. You'll need to request a transcript or copy from the IRS.
How to tell if I used TurboTax Online or the CD/Download version?
If you always accessed TurboTax through a web browser and didn't install any software on your computer, you used the online version. If you purchased a physical CD or downloaded an installation file and ran it on your computer, you used the CD/Download version.
