Tax season can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, in the midst of entering all your financial information, you realize you've gone down the wrong path, made a significant error, or simply want to approach your tax return from a fresh perspective. Fear not! TurboTax, while designed to guide you seamlessly, also offers ways to hit the reset button and start completely over. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can begin anew with confidence.
Ready to hit the reset button on your TurboTax return?
Let's face it, tax prep can be a maze of numbers, forms, and deductions. It's easy to make a wrong turn, or halfway through, realize you want to approach your taxes from a completely different angle. Maybe you accidentally imported incorrect data, or perhaps you've decided a different TurboTax product would better suit your needs. Whatever the reason, if you're feeling overwhelmed and want to wipe the slate clean, you've come to the right place. This guide is designed to empower you to completely start over on TurboTax, step by step!
Understanding the "Why" Before the "How"
Before diving into the steps, it's crucial to understand why you might want to start over. This can often dictate the best approach.
Accidental Data Entry: You entered a large sum incorrectly, or linked the wrong bank account.
Choosing the Wrong Product: You started with a basic version but now realize you need a more advanced one (e.g., for self-employment or investment income).
Wanting a Fresh Perspective: You simply feel overwhelmed by the current state of your return and believe a clean start will lead to a more accurate and less stressful filing.
Trying a Different Strategy: You've learned new tax information and want to re-evaluate your deductions and credits from scratch.
Unfiled Return Errors: You haven't filed yet, but you've discovered a significant error that's easier to fix by starting over than by trying to backtrack through numerous screens.
Crucial Pre-Reset Checklist: What You Need to Know
Before you initiate the "Clear & Start Over" process, there are a few critical considerations:
Have You Paid or Registered? This is the most important factor. If you have already paid for your TurboTax Online edition, had the fee deducted from your refund, or registered a "Free" edition, the "Clear & Start Over" option might not be available. In such cases, you'll generally need to manually edit your return or, in extreme circumstances, consider creating a new TurboTax account.
Have You Filed Your Return? If you have already filed your tax return (electronically or by mail), you cannot simply "clear and start over." Once filed, your return is submitted to the IRS (and state, if applicable). Any changes at this point would require filing an amended return (Form 1040-X), which is a different, more complex process.
Desktop vs. Online: The steps vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online (accessed via a web browser) or the TurboTax Desktop software (installed on your computer). This guide will cover both.
Saving Your Current Progress (Optional but Recommended): While the goal is to start over, if there's any chance you might want to refer back to your current entries (even if they're incorrect), you can save a PDF copy of your in-progress return before clearing. This provides a valuable reference point.
The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Completely Start Over on TurboTax
The process differs slightly between TurboTax Online and the Desktop editions. Choose the section that applies to you.
For TurboTax Online Users (Most Common)
This is the most frequent scenario for users who want to clear their data and begin anew.
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account and Locate Your Return
First things first, let's get you logged in and to the right place.
Go to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Sign In: Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner. Enter your User ID and Password.
Continue Your Return: Once logged in, you should see an option to "Continue your return" or "Take me to my return." Click on this to open the tax return you wish to clear.
Step 2: Navigate to Tax Tools
This is where the magic happens! The "Tax Tools" section holds the key to resetting your return.
Look for "Tax Tools": On the left-hand side of the screen, while you are actively working on your return, you should see a menu. Look for the option labeled "Tax Tools." If you don't see it immediately, you might need to scroll down a bit.
Expand the Menu: Click on "Tax Tools." This will expand a sub-menu of options.
Step 3: Select "Clear & Start Over"
Within the "Tax Tools" sub-menu, you'll find the option to reset your entire return.
Choose "Clear & Start Over": From the expanded "Tax Tools" menu, click on "Clear & Start Over." This option is specifically designed to erase all data for the current tax year.
Step 4: Confirm Your Decision
TurboTax will provide a confirmation prompt to ensure you genuinely want to delete all your data.
Read the Warning: A pop-up window will appear, typically stating something like: "Are you sure you want to clear your return? This will erase everything and let you start over." Read this carefully to ensure you understand the implications.
Confirm: If you are absolutely sure you want to proceed, click "Yes" or "Clear Return" (the exact wording may vary slightly by year).
Important Note: If you do not see the "Clear & Start Over" option, it likely means you have already paid for your TurboTax Online product, had the fee deducted from your refund, or registered a "Free" edition. In such cases, you will generally need to manually edit your return. See the "What if 'Clear & Start Over' isn't an option?" FAQ below for more details.
Step 5: Begin Your Fresh Start!
Congratulations! Your previous entries have been wiped clean.
Product Selection: TurboTax will now typically prompt you to select the TurboTax product you wish to use for your fresh return (e.g., Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed). Choose the one that best fits your current tax situation.
Start from Scratch: You'll be brought back to the very beginning of the tax preparation process, as if you're using TurboTax for the first time for the current tax year. Take your time and enter all your information accurately this time!
For TurboTax Desktop Users (CD/Download)
If you purchased and installed the TurboTax software on your computer, the process is simpler and more akin to managing files on your operating system.
Step 1: Open Your TurboTax Desktop Software
Launch the TurboTax program on your computer.
Locate the Icon: Find the TurboTax icon on your desktop, in your Start Menu (Windows), or Applications folder (Mac).
Open the Program: Double-click the icon to launch the software.
Step 2: Start a New Tax Return
Unlike the online version, you don't "clear" an existing return; you simply create a new one.
Go to "File": In the top left corner of the TurboTax program window, click on "File."
Select "New Tax Return": From the "File" dropdown menu, choose "New Tax Return." This will open a completely blank return for the current tax year.
Step 3: (Optional) Delete or Rename the Old Return File
Your previous return is saved as a separate file on your computer. You can choose to keep it, rename it, or delete it.
Locate the File: By default, TurboTax saves your tax files (with a
.tax20XXextension, where XX is the tax year) in your "Documents" folder, often within a "TurboTax" subfolder. For example, a 2024 tax file might be namedYourName2024.tax2024.Rename for Clarity: If you want to keep the old file as a reference but avoid confusion, rename it (e.g.,
YourName2024_OLD.tax2024).Delete (with Caution!): If you are absolutely certain you no longer need the old return data, you can delete the
.tax20XXfile directly from your computer's file system (e.g., by dragging it to the Recycle Bin/Trash). Be very careful when deleting files, as they cannot always be recovered easily. It's always a good idea to back up important files before deleting them.
Step 4: Begin Your Fresh Start!
You're now ready to tackle your taxes from scratch.
Follow the Prompts: The new, blank return will guide you through the interview process.
Enter Data Accurately: Proceed with entering all your tax information carefully.
After the Reset: Best Practices for a Smooth Filing
Now that you've started over, here are some tips to make sure this time is a success:
Gather All Your Documents: Before you start entering data, have all your W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, charitable contribution records, and any other relevant tax documents neatly organized. This will prevent interruptions and potential errors.
Take Your Time: Don't rush through the process. Read each question carefully and ensure you understand what information TurboTax is asking for.
Utilize Help Features: TurboTax has excellent built-in help features, including explanations, FAQs, and even direct access to tax experts (depending on your product). Don't hesitate to use them if you're unsure about something.
Save Frequently: While TurboTax Online generally saves your progress automatically, if you're using the Desktop version, make sure to save your return periodically as you work.
Review Thoroughly: Before filing, use TurboTax's review function. It will check for common errors and missed deductions. This is your last chance to catch any mistakes.
10 Related FAQ Questions with Quick Answers
How to: Check if I've already paid for TurboTax Online?
You can typically check your order history within your TurboTax account. Log in, look for account settings or billing information, and you should see details of any purchases.
How to: Know if my TurboTax Online return is registered?
If you've progressed beyond the initial stages of the "Free Edition" and started entering more detailed information, or if you've been prompted to select a paid product, your return may be considered "registered" even if you haven't technically paid yet. The "Clear & Start Over" option will disappear if it's too late.
How to: Save a PDF copy of my in-progress return in TurboTax Online?
While working on your return, look for a "Print Center" or "Save as PDF" option, usually under "Tax Tools" or a "File" menu. You may need to navigate to the "Print" section and then choose to save as a PDF.
How to: Save a copy of my tax file in TurboTax Desktop?
Go to "File" > "Save As" and choose a location on your computer to save the .tax20XX file. It's recommended to save it in a recognizable folder, like your Documents folder.
How to: Handle accidentally deleting my TurboTax Desktop file?
If you accidentally deleted the .tax20XX file, check your computer's Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). If it's not there, and you don't have a backup, you might have to re-enter all your data.
How to: File an amended return if I've already filed?
If your return has already been filed, you'll need to prepare Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. TurboTax has a separate section for amending returns, which you can usually access after your original return has been processed.
How to: Transfer previous year's data to a new TurboTax return?
When starting a new return (either online or desktop), TurboTax often prompts you to transfer data from the previous year's return if you used TurboTax before. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to select the previous year's file or account.
How to: Contact TurboTax customer support for assistance?
You can usually find "Contact Us" or "Support" links on the TurboTax website. They often offer phone support, live chat, or community forums for assistance.
How to: Create a new TurboTax Online account?
If you cannot use the "Clear & Start Over" option and absolutely need a fresh start, you can create a new TurboTax account with a different email address. Be aware that this means your previous year's data won't automatically transfer.
How to: Avoid needing to "start over" in the first place?
Organize First: Gather all your tax documents before you even open TurboTax.
Go Slow: Don't rush. Take your time entering information.
Double-Check: Review each section before moving to the next.
Use Estimates (Carefully): If you're waiting for a document, you can sometimes use an estimate and then update it later, but be sure to replace it with the exact figures.