Facing a bit of a tax-time tangle and need to hit the reset button on your TurboTax return? You're not alone! It's surprisingly common to realize you've made a mistake, started with the wrong information, or simply want a fresh start. Whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop version, there are ways to "start over."
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently get back on track with your tax preparation. We'll cover different scenarios and provide clear instructions to help you navigate TurboTax effectively.
How Do I Start Over on TurboTax? A Comprehensive Guide
Sometimes, a clean slate is the best way to tackle your taxes. Maybe you imported incorrect information, chose the wrong filing status, or simply feel overwhelmed and want to begin anew. Whatever the reason, starting over on TurboTax is possible, but the exact method depends on which version of TurboTax you're using and how far along you are in the filing process.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Version and Status
Before you do anything, it's crucial to identify which TurboTax product you're using and your current progress. This will dictate the appropriate steps to take.
1.1: TurboTax Online (Web-Based)
Are you accessing TurboTax through your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.)? If so, you're using TurboTax Online.
Have you paid for your return or e-filed it yet? This is the most critical question.
If no, you have the easiest path to starting over.
If yes, the "Clear & Start Over" option will likely not be available. In this case, you might need to consider creating a new account or, if you've already filed, amending your return (which is a different process entirely).
1.2: TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download)
Did you purchase and install TurboTax software directly onto your computer? Then you're using the Desktop version.
Have you saved your file?
Have you printed or e-filed your return?
Understanding your specific situation will ensure you follow the correct instructions and avoid any unnecessary complications.
Step 2: Clearing Your Return in TurboTax Online (If Applicable)
This is the simplest and most common scenario for starting over on TurboTax Online. This option is available only if you have not yet paid for or filed your return.
2.1: Accessing Your Return
Sign In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account.
Open Your Return: Once logged in, you should see an option to "Take me to my return" or "Continue your return." Click on this to enter your current tax return.
2.2: Finding the "Clear & Start Over" Option
Locate Tax Tools: On the left-hand side of the screen, you'll see a menu. Look for and click on "Tax Tools."
Pro Tip: If you're on a smaller screen (like a tablet or phone), you might need to click on a "hamburger menu" icon (three parallel lines) in the top-left corner to reveal the full menu.
Select "Clear & Start Over": Under "Tax Tools," you'll usually find an option called "Clear & Start Over." Click on it.
Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax will display a pop-up message asking you to confirm if you're sure you want to clear your return. This action cannot be undone, so make sure you're absolutely certain before proceeding. Select "Yes" or "Confirm" to continue.
2.3: Starting Anew
Once confirmed, your current tax return data will be erased, and you'll be prompted to select a TurboTax product to begin a fresh return from the very beginning. It's like you're starting TurboTax for the first time for the current tax year.
Step 3: Starting Over with a New Account (TurboTax Online - If "Clear & Start Over" isn't an option)
If you've already paid for your TurboTax Online product or registered a free edition, the "Clear & Start Over" option might be unavailable. In this situation, the most straightforward approach to starting fresh is to create a new TurboTax account.
3.1: Sign Out of Your Current Account
Log Out: It's essential to first sign out of your existing TurboTax account completely. Look for your username or a "Sign Out" option in the top right corner of the screen.
3.2: Create a New Account
Visit the TurboTax Website: Go back to turbotax.intuit.com.
Select Your Product: Choose the TurboTax product you wish to use for your new return (e.g., Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed).
Create a New Account: When prompted, select "Create an account" or "Sign up." You'll need to use a different username than your previous account.
Important Note: You can reuse the same email address if you wish to receive e-file notifications for the new return. TurboTax allows up to five accounts to be tied to the same email address.
Proceed with New Return: Once your new account is created, you can begin entering your tax information from scratch.
Step 4: Deleting or Starting a New File in TurboTax Desktop
The process for the Desktop version is a bit different as your tax files are stored locally on your computer.
4.1: Deleting an Existing Tax File
If you want to completely erase a previously saved return:
Open TurboTax Desktop Software: Launch the TurboTax program on your computer.
Locate Your File: On the initial screen where you see a list of your saved tax files, do not click "Continue" on the file you want to delete. Instead, look for a way to select the file itself.
Delete the File:
Option A (Using Delete Key): Click on the large square icon representing the file you wish to delete, and then simply hit your Delete key on your keyboard. You'll get a prompt to confirm the deletion.
Option B (Right-Click): In some versions, you might be able to right-click on the file and select a "Delete" option from the context menu.
Option C (Find a Tax File): At the bottom of the initial box, you might see a "Find a Tax File" link. Clicking this will bring up a list where you can often right-click on the file and choose "Delete."
Option D (Through File Explorer): You can also navigate to your Documents folder, then the "TurboTax" subfolder (e.g., "TurboTax 2024"). Your tax files will typically end in
.tax20yy(e.g.,MyTaxReturn.tax2024). You can delete the file directly from here, just like any other file on your computer. Be very careful when doing this to ensure you don't delete important files by mistake!
4.2: Starting a Brand New Return
If you simply want to start a new return without deleting a previous one:
Open TurboTax Desktop: Launch the program.
"Start a New Return": Look for an option like "Start a new return," "File a New Return," or similar, usually found on the initial welcome screen or under the "File" menu at the top. This will open a blank new tax return for you to begin.
Step 5: Dealing with State Returns (Desktop Version)
Sometimes you might want to start over on just your state return, perhaps because of an error or you decided to file in a different state. This is specific to the Desktop version.
5.1: Removing a State Return
Open Your Federal Return: Load the federal tax return you're working on in TurboTax Desktop.
Go to the File Menu: At the very top left of the program screen, click on the "File" menu.
Select "Remove State Return": From the dropdown menu, choose "Remove State Return."
Confirm: TurboTax will ask you to confirm which state return you want to remove. Select the appropriate one and confirm.
Note: This action only removes the data for that state's tax return; it does not uninstall the state program itself from your TurboTax software. You can always add a state return back later if needed.
Important Considerations When Starting Over
Data Loss is Permanent: When you clear or delete a return, all the data you've entered is gone. Make sure you have all your documents readily available to re-enter the information accurately.
Payment Status: Remember, the "Clear & Start Over" option in TurboTax Online is usually only available if you haven't paid or e-filed.
Prior Year Returns: If you need to start over on a prior year's return, you'll need the TurboTax software for that specific tax year. TurboTax typically sells prior-year versions for download.
Amending a Filed Return: If you have already filed and your return was accepted by the IRS/state, you cannot "start over." Instead, you'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal). TurboTax can guide you through this process, but it's different from simply clearing and starting fresh.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to starting over on TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to delete a previously filed return in TurboTax Online?
You cannot delete a return that has already been filed and accepted. If you need to make changes, you'll have to file an amended return.
How to reset TurboTax if I'm using the mobile app?
The "Clear & Start Over" option is generally not available in the TurboTax mobile app. You'll need to log in to your TurboTax account from a desktop or mobile browser to access this feature.
How to remove a specific form from my TurboTax return without starting over?
In TurboTax Online, go to "Tax Tools" > "Tools" > "Delete a Form." In TurboTax Desktop, go to the "Forms" mode, highlight the form you want to delete, and then look for a "Remove Form" option under the "Forms" menu or by right-clicking. Be aware that some forms regenerate if the underlying data that populates them is still present.
How to start a second tax return for someone else in TurboTax?
For TurboTax Online, you'll typically need to sign out and create a new, separate TurboTax account for the other person (or use an existing separate account). For TurboTax Desktop, you can start a new return file within the same software installation.
How to clear my state return only in TurboTax Desktop?
Open your federal return, then go to the "File" menu at the top and select "Remove State Return." Choose the state you wish to remove.
How to tell if I've paid for my TurboTax Online return?
Check your TurboTax account status or look for payment confirmation emails from Intuit/TurboTax. If you see an option to pay or your return status is "Unpaid," you likely haven't paid yet.
How to avoid accidentally deleting my TurboTax return?
Always read confirmation prompts carefully before clicking "Yes" or "Confirm." For Desktop users, consider backing up your tax files regularly.
How to start over if I linked the wrong prior-year information?
If you're in TurboTax Online and haven't paid, use "Clear & Start Over." If you're in Desktop, you can start a new file and manually enter the correct prior-year information or try a fresh import.
How to get back to the beginning screen after I've started my return in TurboTax Online?
You can often navigate back to the "Tax Home" or "My Account" section, and from there you might find options to review your progress or start over if eligible.
How to start a new tax return for a different tax year in TurboTax?
For prior years, you'll typically need to purchase and install the specific TurboTax Desktop software for that tax year. TurboTax Online usually only supports the current tax year and potentially a few prior years if you started them within your online account.
