Tax season might be over, but sometimes you need to look back at your past tax returns. Perhaps you're applying for a loan, need to verify income, or are simply curious about your financial history. Whatever the reason, if you used TurboTax to file your taxes, retrieving those old returns is generally a straightforward process.
Are you ready to dive in and find those crucial documents? Let's get started!
Step 1: Accessing Your TurboTax Account – The Gateway to Your Past Returns
The very first and most crucial step is to log in to your TurboTax account. This might seem obvious, but it's where many people stumble.
Sub-heading 1.1: Remembering Your Login Credentials
User ID and Password: You'll need the exact user ID and password you used when you filed those previous returns. TurboTax associates your filed returns with the specific account you used.
Multiple Accounts? Be aware! It's not uncommon for people to accidentally create multiple TurboTax or Intuit accounts over the years, especially if they've used different email addresses. If you can't find your returns, try logging in with any other email addresses or user IDs you might have used.
Forgot Your User ID or Password? Don't panic! TurboTax has a robust account recovery process. Look for the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links on the login page. You'll typically be guided through a series of security questions or email/phone verification to regain access.
Sub-heading 1.2: Navigating to the TurboTax Login Page
Open your web browser and go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com). Look for the "Sign In" or "Log In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: Locating Your Tax Returns & Documents Section
Once you've successfully logged in, you'll land on your TurboTax "Tax Home" page. This is your central hub for all things tax-related within your account.
Sub-heading 2.1: Finding "Your Tax Returns & Documents"
Scroll Down: On the Tax Home page, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar. This section is specifically designed to house your past filing information.
Alternative Navigation (If Available): Sometimes, there might be a "Documents" or "Prior Years" option in a left-hand menu or sidebar. If you don't immediately see "Your tax returns & documents" by scrolling, explore these menu options.
Step 3: Selecting the Desired Tax Year and Downloading Your Return
Now that you've found the right section, it's time to pinpoint the specific return you need.
Sub-heading 3.1: Choosing the Correct Year
Dropdown Menu/List: Within the "Your tax returns & documents" section, you'll typically see a dropdown menu or a list of years. Carefully select the tax year for which you want to view or download the return.
Availability: TurboTax generally keeps your online returns accessible for a period of seven years. This aligns with the IRS's recommendation for how long you should keep tax records. If you need a return older than seven years, you might need to explore alternative methods (more on that later!).
Sub-heading 3.2: Downloading Your Return as a PDF
"Download/Print Return (PDF)": Once you've selected the year, you should see an option like "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF." Click on this option.
Saving the File: Your browser will likely prompt you to save the PDF file to your computer. Choose a memorable location (like your "Documents" or "Downloads" folder) and a clear filename so you can easily find it again.
Opening the PDF: After downloading, you can open the PDF file with any standard PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) to view, print, or save it for your records.
Step 4: What if You Used TurboTax CD/Download Software?
If you purchased and installed TurboTax software on your computer (the CD/Download version), the process is different because your tax files are stored locally on your machine, not in your online TurboTax account.
Sub-heading 4.1: Locating Your Tax Data Files
Default Save Location: By default, TurboTax desktop software usually saves your tax files in a specific folder on your computer. This is commonly in your "Documents" folder, under a subfolder named "TurboTax" (e.g.,
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\TurboTax\20XX). The file will typically have a.tax20XXextension (e.g.,MyTaxes2023.tax2023).Searching Your Computer: If you can't find it in the default location, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) to look for files with the
.taxextension for the relevant year.Corresponding Software Required: To open and view these files, you'll need the corresponding year's TurboTax desktop software installed on your computer. For example, to open a
MyTaxes2023.tax2023file, you need the TurboTax 2023 desktop software.
Sub-heading 4.2: Printing a PDF from Desktop Software
Open the File: Launch the correct year's TurboTax software and open your tax data file.
Print to PDF: Once the return is open, look for a "Print" or "Save as PDF" option within the software's menu. This will allow you to generate a PDF copy of your return.
Save a Copy: Always save a PDF copy of your finalized tax return each year, regardless of whether you use online or desktop software. This creates a readily accessible backup.
Step 5: When TurboTax Doesn't Have Your Returns (IRS Options)
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to retrieve your past returns through TurboTax. This can happen if you filed a very long time ago, used a different software, or simply can't access your old accounts. Don't worry, the IRS has options!
Sub-heading 5.1: Requesting an IRS Tax Transcript (Free)
What it is: An IRS tax transcript is a summary of your tax return information. While it's not a full copy of your return with all the worksheets, it contains most of the key information, such as your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), income figures, and tax paid. This is often sufficient for most purposes (e.g., loan applications, financial aid).
How to Get It:
Online: The fastest way is to use the IRS's "Get Transcript Online" tool on their official website (IRS.gov). You'll need to verify your identity.
By Mail: You can also request a transcript by mail using Form 4506-T, "Request for Transcript of Tax Return," or by calling their automated line.
Timelines: Online transcripts are often available immediately. Mailed transcripts typically take 5 to 10 business days.
Sub-heading 5.2: Requesting a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS (Fee-Based)
What it is: If you need an exact copy of your original filed tax return, including all attached forms and schedules, you can request it directly from the IRS.
How to Get It: You'll need to submit Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," to the IRS. There is a fee per return requested (check the form for the current fee).
Timelines: This process can take significantly longer, often up to 60 days, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to: Find my TurboTax user ID if I forgot it?
Go to the TurboTax login page, click "Forgot user ID," and follow the prompts to recover it using your email address or phone number associated with the account.
How to: Retrieve tax returns older than 7 years from TurboTax?
TurboTax generally only stores returns for seven years. For older returns, you will need to request a tax transcript or a copy of your return directly from the IRS using their online tools or by mailing Form 4506-T or Form 4506, respectively.
How to: Download my state tax return from TurboTax?
Once you've navigated to the desired tax year in "Your tax returns & documents," both your federal and state returns should be available for download as separate PDF files.
How to: Get a tax return if I used TurboTax on a different computer?
If you used TurboTax Online, your returns are cloud-based, so you can access them from any computer by logging into your account. If you used the CD/Download version, the files are on the computer where you filed; you'd need to access that computer or have previously backed up the tax file.
How to: Print a full copy of my tax return from TurboTax Online?
After downloading the PDF of your return, open it with a PDF viewer and use your printer's print function to print the entire document.
How to: Access my TurboTax account if my email address has changed?
If you can't log in due to an email change, try the "Forgot user ID" or "Forgot password" links. You may need to contact TurboTax customer support for assistance if you can't verify your identity through the automated system.
How to: Find the AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from my previous TurboTax return?
Your AGI is a key figure found on the first page of your Form 1040 (or equivalent) for that tax year. Download the PDF of your return and look for the AGI line.
How to: Get a copy of a tax return I didn't file with TurboTax?
If you didn't use TurboTax, you'll need to access the platform you used to file or directly request a tax transcript or copy from the IRS.
How to: Save my TurboTax return as a PDF for future reference?
After successfully completing your return each year, TurboTax Online usually gives you the option to download and save your return as a PDF. For desktop versions, use the "Print" or "Save as PDF" function within the software.
How to: Contact TurboTax customer support for help with old returns?
You can usually find TurboTax's support contact options (chat, phone, community forums) on their website under the "Support" or "Contact Us" sections. Be prepared with your account information and the specific tax year in question.
