Have you ever been knee-deep in your TurboTax return, meticulously entering data, only to realize... you've made a colossal mistake? Perhaps you chose the wrong filing status, or completely overlooked a significant income stream, or maybe you just want to start fresh with a clearer head. It happens to the best of us! The good news is, for most users, starting your TurboTax return over is a relatively straightforward process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps to "clear and start over" in TurboTax, whether you're using the online version or the desktop software. We'll also cover crucial considerations and answer common questions to ensure a smooth restart to your tax filing journey.
Starting Fresh: How to Begin Your TurboTax Return Over
The method for starting over in TurboTax largely depends on whether you're using the online version or the desktop/CD download software, and critically, whether you've already paid for or filed your return.
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| How To Start My Turbotax Over |
Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation - Are you ready to wipe the slate clean?
Before you hit that "reset" button, take a moment to confirm that starting over is indeed the best course of action.
Have you made a few minor errors? If it's just a couple of small mistakes, it might be easier to simply go back and edit those specific entries rather than restarting the entire return. TurboTax allows you to navigate back through sections easily.
Are you changing your entire tax strategy? If you've decided to itemize instead of taking the standard deduction, or realized you should have filed as Head of Household instead of Single, then a fresh start might be more efficient.
Have you already paid or filed? This is the most critical question. If you have already paid for your TurboTax online product or, even more importantly, filed your return (either e-filed or mailed), then the "clear and start over" option will likely not be available. In such cases, you will likely need to file an amended return once your original return has been processed. We'll touch on this briefly in the FAQ.
Important Note: Starting over will erase ALL data you've entered for that specific return. Make sure you have all your necessary documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) readily available to re-enter the information.
Step 2: For TurboTax Online Users - The "Clear & Start Over" Method
If you're using TurboTax Online and have not yet paid or filed your return, this is the most common and simplest method.
Sub-step 2.1: Log in to Your TurboTax Account
Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in to your account using your User ID and password.
Sub-step 2.2: Navigate to Your Return
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Once logged in, you should see your in-progress tax return. Click to open your return or select "Continue your return" if prompted.
Sub-step 2.3: Locate "Tax Tools"
On the left-hand menu (the navigation bar), scroll down until you see "Tax Tools." This section often appears towards the bottom of the menu.
Sub-step 2.4: Select "Clear & Start Over"
Click on "Tax Tools" to expand the options. You should then see and select "Clear & Start Over."
Sub-step 2.5: Confirm Your Decision
TurboTax will present you with a warning message, clearly stating that all your entered data will be erased. Read this carefully to ensure you understand the implications.
If you're absolutely sure, confirm your decision by clicking "Yes" or "Continue" as prompted.
Voila! Your TurboTax Online return will now be reset, and you'll be able to begin entering your information as if you're starting from scratch.
Step 3: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users - Starting a New File
If you're using the TurboTax Desktop software (purchased as a CD or downloaded), the process is different as your files are stored locally on your computer. You don't have a "clear and start over" button within an existing file in the same way the online version does. Instead, you effectively just start a new, blank return.
Sub-step 3.1: Open Your TurboTax Desktop Software
Launch your TurboTax Desktop application on your computer.
Sub-step 3.2: Initiate a New Return
Once the program is open, go to the "File" menu at the top left of the screen.
From the "File" dropdown menu, select "New Tax Return."
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
Sub-step 3.3: Name and Save Your New File
The software will prompt you to save your new, blank return. Choose a clear and distinct file name (e.g., "My2024TaxReturn_NewStart") and select a location on your computer where you can easily find it.
Congratulations! You've now created a brand new, empty tax return file. You can then close the old, incorrect file (if it's still open) and proceed with your new one.
Sub-step 3.4: (Optional) Deleting the Old File
If you want to completely remove the old, incorrect return from your computer to avoid confusion, you can do so by navigating to the folder where you saved it (usually in your "Documents" folder under a "TurboTax" subfolder). Locate the
.tax20XXfile (where XX is the tax year, e.g.,.tax2024) and delete it like any other file.Be absolutely certain you are deleting the correct file if you have multiple TurboTax files.
Step 4: Double-Check and Proceed with Confidence
No matter which method you used to start over, the next steps are crucial for a successful tax filing experience.
Sub-step 4.1: Re-enter Information Meticulously
Start from the very beginning of the TurboTax interview process. Take your time, read each question carefully, and ensure you're entering accurate information from your tax documents.
Consider organizing all your tax documents beforehand to make this process smoother and prevent missing anything.
Sub-step 4.2: Review Regularly
As you progress, utilize TurboTax's review features. These often highlight potential errors or areas that might need a second look.
Don't wait until the very end to review your entire return. Catching mistakes early can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Sub-step 4.3: Save Frequently
Especially with the desktop version, save your work regularly. Unexpected power outages or computer issues can lead to lost progress.
Even with the online version, which auto-saves, it's a good practice to occasionally confirm your progress is being saved.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with 'How to', about restarting your TurboTax return, along with quick answers:
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
How to: Clear and Start Over in TurboTax Online if I've Paid?
You generally cannot use the "Clear & Start Over" option if you've already paid for your TurboTax Online product. You would need to contact TurboTax customer support for assistance, or if you've already filed, you'll need to file an amended return.
How to: Restart a TurboTax Desktop Return if I Accidentally Saved Over It?
If you've accidentally saved over a file, your best bet is to look for backup files that TurboTax might have automatically created (often with a ~ prefix or in a backup folder). If no backup exists, you'll unfortunately have to start over from scratch. Always save with different names or make manual backups.
How to: Start a New Return for a Different Tax Year in TurboTax?
You simply purchase or access the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you need to file. Each tax year requires its own version of TurboTax software.
How to: Start a New Return for Another Person (e.g., Family Member) in TurboTax Online?
For TurboTax Online, each return requires a separate TurboTax account and User ID. You can use the same email address for multiple accounts, but you'll need to create a new login for each individual's return.
How to: Amend My TurboTax Return After I've Already Filed It?
If you've already filed and your return has been accepted by the IRS, you cannot "start over." You must file an amended return using Form 1040-X. TurboTax provides guidance on how to amend a return within their software.
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
How to: Delete an Old, Unused Return from My TurboTax Account (Online)?
In TurboTax Online, go to "My Returns" or "All Tax Returns." If there's a small trash can icon next to the return, click it to delete. If there's no trash can, you might need to start a new blank return first, and then the trash can icon should appear for the old one.
How to: Get My Information from a Deleted TurboTax Return?
Once a return is deleted, it is permanently gone. TurboTax cannot retrieve the information for you. This is why it's crucial to be absolutely sure before deleting.
How to: Avoid Needing to Start Over in TurboTax?
To minimize the need to start over, gather all your tax documents before you begin, take your time with data entry, and use TurboTax's "Review" features frequently to catch errors as you go.
How to: Undo a Single Mistake Instead of Starting Over?
If it's a single mistake, you can usually navigate back to the specific section where the error occurred and edit the entry directly. There's no need to start the entire return over for minor corrections.
How to: Get Help if I'm Stuck While Trying to Start Over?
If you encounter issues, you can access TurboTax's extensive online help resources, including their support articles and community forums. For more personalized assistance, you can contact TurboTax customer support directly.
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