It's tax season, and you've hit a snag! Maybe you made a few wrong turns, imported the wrong data, or simply want to start your tax return fresh from the beginning. Whatever the reason, you're looking to hit the "reset" button on TurboTax. Don't worry, it happens more often than you think, and thankfully, TurboTax offers ways to erase your progress and begin anew. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step by step, for both TurboTax Online and the Desktop (CD/Download) versions.
Erasing TurboTax and Starting Over: A Fresh Start for Your Taxes!
Have you ever found yourself deep into your tax return, only to realize you've made a fundamental error or just want a clean slate? It's a common feeling! Before you panic and think you've ruined everything, understand that TurboTax provides mechanisms to clear out your current progress and start fresh. This guide will show you exactly how to do it, depending on whether you're using the online version or the desktop software.
 |
| How To Erase Turbotax And Start Over |
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Online vs. Desktop
The very first and most crucial step is to determine which version of TurboTax you are using. The process for erasing your data differs significantly between TurboTax Online and the TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) software.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Key Differences
TurboTax Online: This version stores your tax return data on Intuit's servers. You access it through a web browser. The "clear and start over" option is built into the online interface, but it has some important limitations, primarily related to whether you've paid or filed.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): This version installs software directly onto your computer, and your tax data files are stored locally on your hard drive. This gives you more direct control over the files themselves, making the "erasing" process a bit different.
Before proceeding, make sure you know which version applies to you!
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
Step 2: For TurboTax Online Users: Clearing Your Return
If you're using TurboTax Online, the "Clear & Start Over" feature is your best friend. However, it comes with a critical caveat: you can only use this feature if you haven't paid for your return, deducted the TurboTax fee from your refund, or officially filed your taxes.
Sub-heading: Conditions for a Clean Slate Online
You HAVEN'T paid: If you're still working on your return and haven't entered payment information, you're good to go.
You HAVEN'T chosen "Deduct from my refund": This is considered a form of payment, so if you've selected this, you won't be able to use "Clear & Start Over."
You HAVEN'T filed: Once your return is submitted to the IRS or state, it's too late to simply erase and start over. You'd need to explore amendment options, which is a different, more complex process.
You HAVEN'T registered a Free Edition: In some cases, registering a free edition might also prevent you from using the "Clear & Start Over" option.
If any of the above have occurred, you won't be able to use the "Clear & Start Over" option. Instead, your best bet is to start a brand new return in your account. You can have multiple returns in progress, and then simply abandon or delete the incorrect one later.
Sub-heading: The "Clear & Start Over" Process (If Eligible)
Sign In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account for the correct tax year.
Open Your Return: If you're not already in your return, click to open it.
Navigate to Tax Tools: Look for "Tax Tools" on the left-hand menu of the program screen. This option only appears when you are actively working within your return.
Select "Clear & Start Over": Click on "Tax Tools," and a dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax will present a confirmation message asking if you are sure you want to clear your return. Read this carefully! Clearing your return will permanently delete all the data you've entered for that specific return.
Confirm and Continue: If you're certain, select "Yes" or "Confirm" to proceed.
Choose Your Product: After the data is cleared, TurboTax will likely prompt you to select a product to begin your new return. Choose the appropriate TurboTax product for your needs and start from scratch.
Sub-heading: What if "Clear & Start Over" isn't available?
As mentioned, if you've paid, filed, or registered, the "Clear & Start Over" option won't be there. In this scenario, your best course of action is to start a new return.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Sign In: Log into your TurboTax Online account.
Go to "My Returns" or "Tax Home": Look for an option like "My Returns," "Tax Home," or "View all tax returns."
Initiate a New Return: You should see an option to "Start a new return" or "Add a new return." Click on this.
Work on the New Return: TurboTax will guide you through starting a completely blank return. You can then populate this new return with your correct information.
Deleting the Old Return (Optional): Once you're confident with your new return, you might be able to delete the old, incorrect one.
Go back to "View all tax returns."
Look for a trash can icon next to the return you want to delete.
Important Note: TurboTax often prevents you from deleting your most recent active return. If there's no trash can next to the return you want to delete, try opening the new blank return you just created, then close it. Go back to "View all tax returns," and the trash can should now appear next to the old return, allowing you to delete it. Be absolutely sure you're deleting the correct return!
Step 3: For TurboTax Desktop Users: Deleting Your File
If you're using the CD/Download version of TurboTax, your tax data is stored as a file on your computer. Erasing and starting over is as simple as deleting the old file and creating a new one.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Tax File
TurboTax Desktop files typically have a .taxYYYY extension, where YYYY is the tax year (e.g., .tax2024 for the 2024 tax year).
Default Location: By default, TurboTax saves your tax files in the "Documents" folder on your computer, usually within a "TurboTax" subfolder for the specific tax year. For example, on Windows, it might be
C:\Users\YourUsername\Documents\TurboTax\2024. On a Mac, it would be in~/Documents/TurboTax/YYYY.Searching Your Computer: If you can't find it in the default location, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for files with the
.taxYYYYextension (e.g.,*.tax2024). You might have saved it in a different folder.
 |
Sub-heading: The Deletion and New File Creation Process
Close TurboTax: Before you do anything else, make sure TurboTax Desktop is completely closed. If the program is open and accessing the file, you won't be able to delete it.
Locate the Incorrect File: Find the
.taxfile that contains the incorrect or unwanted tax return data.Delete the File: Right-click on the file and select "Delete" (or drag it to the Recycle Bin/Trash). Confirm the deletion if prompted. Double-check that you are deleting the correct file!
Open TurboTax Desktop: Launch your TurboTax Desktop software.
Start a New Return: Since the old file is gone, TurboTax will likely prompt you to start a new return or open an existing one. Select the option to "Start a New Return."
Begin Fresh: You'll now be working on a completely blank tax return, ready for you to input your accurate information from the beginning.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations for Desktop Users
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
Backup Your Files: While you're deleting files to start over, it's always a best practice to periodically back up your important tax documents and even your TurboTax
.taxfiles to an external drive or cloud storage. This can save you a lot of headache in case of accidental deletion or data corruption.Multiple Returns: With TurboTax Desktop, you can easily create and save multiple tax returns on your computer. If you're unsure about deleting, you can always just start a new return without deleting the old one, and simply work on the new one. You can then manage your files later.
Step 4: Confirming Your Fresh Start
After following the steps for either TurboTax Online or Desktop, take a moment to verify that you've successfully erased your previous data and are indeed starting with a clean slate.
For Online Users: Ensure that the screens you see are for a brand new, empty tax return. You shouldn't see any of your previously entered income, deductions, or personal information.
For Desktop Users: When you open TurboTax, confirm that it's prompting you to start a new return, or that the return you've opened is completely blank.
This quick check will give you peace of mind before you dive back into your tax preparation.
Step 5: Proceed with Caution and Accuracy
Now that you have a fresh start, take your time entering your tax information.
Sub-heading: Tips for a Smooth Process
Gather All Documents: Before you begin, gather all your W-2s, 1099s, investment statements, mortgage interest statements, and any other relevant tax documents. Having everything ready minimizes interruptions and errors.
Double-Check Entries: As you input data, double-check every number. A small typo can lead to significant discrepancies.
Utilize Help Features: TurboTax has extensive help sections, FAQs, and even community forums. If you encounter a question, use these resources.
Consider "Expert Review": If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, TurboTax Live offers options to have a tax expert review your return before you file. This can be a worthwhile investment for complex situations.
By taking a methodical approach, you can ensure your new tax return is accurate and complete, setting you up for a successful filing.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 related FAQ questions with quick answers, starting with 'How to':
How to know if I'm using TurboTax Online or Desktop?
Quick Answer: If you access TurboTax through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and log in with an Intuit account, you're using TurboTax Online. If you installed software from a CD or downloaded it to your computer, you're using TurboTax Desktop.
How to save my TurboTax Online return before clearing?
Quick Answer: TurboTax Online automatically saves your progress. You can't "save" it like a file on your computer before clearing. If you want a record, you can print a copy of your in-progress return to PDF, but all data will be erased from the online system if you use "Clear & Start Over."
How to find my TurboTax Desktop file on my computer?
Quick Answer: By default, TurboTax Desktop files (
.taxYYYYextension) are usually found inDocuments/TurboTax/TaxYear(e.g.,Documents/TurboTax/2024) on Windows and Mac. You can also use your computer's search function to find*.taxYYYYfiles.
How to avoid making the same mistake when starting over?
Quick Answer: Take your time, gather all your documents before you start, and review each entry carefully. If you're unsure about a specific tax situation, consult TurboTax's help articles or a tax professional.
How to amend a filed TurboTax return instead of starting over?
Quick Answer: If you've already filed your return, you cannot "erase and start over." You'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X). TurboTax provides guidance on how to amend a previously filed return within the program.
How to start a new tax return for a different tax year in TurboTax?
Quick Answer: For TurboTax Online, each tax year typically has its own separate platform; you'll need to log into the correct year's version. For Desktop, you need to purchase and install the specific year's software. You cannot change the tax year within an existing return.
How to import last year's TurboTax data into a new return?
Quick Answer: Both TurboTax Online and Desktop offer features to import data from your previous year's TurboTax return at the beginning of the new tax year's return. Look for "Transfer last year's data" or similar options during the setup.
How to recover a deleted TurboTax Desktop file?
Quick Answer: If you deleted the file from your computer, check your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If it's not there, and you don't have a backup, recovery might be difficult or impossible without specialized data recovery software. This is why backups are crucial.
How to contact TurboTax support if I'm stuck?
Quick Answer: TurboTax offers various support options, including their online community forums, FAQs, and direct customer support via phone or chat (availability may depend on your product and time of year). Visit the TurboTax support website for the most current contact methods.
How to tell if my TurboTax return has been paid for or filed?
Quick Answer: In TurboTax Online, you'll typically see a "Paid" or "Filed" status on your Tax Home screen or within your return summary. If you've paid, you'll also have a record of the transaction. If you've filed, you should have received a confirmation email from TurboTax and/or the IRS/state.
 |
