Oh no! Forgetting a password can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to something as important as your tax software. But don't worry, you're not alone, and TurboTax (which is part of Intuit) has a clear process to help you regain access. Let's get you back on track so you can manage your taxes with ease!
The Ultimate Guide: How to Change Your TurboTax Password When You've Forgotten It
Losing access to your TurboTax account can feel like a major roadblock, but thanks to robust account recovery systems, it's usually a straightforward process to reset your password. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you regain access to your valuable tax information.
Step 1: Start Your Recovery Journey – Where to Begin?
Are you staring at the TurboTax login screen, racking your brain for that elusive password? Take a deep breath. The first and most crucial step is to acknowledge that you've forgotten it and actively seek the recovery option.
There are generally two main starting points for initiating a password reset with TurboTax (and by extension, your Intuit account, as TurboTax accounts are linked to Intuit):
Option A: The Direct "Forgot Password" Link: This is usually the quickest way if you have access to your registered email or phone number.
Option B: The Account Recovery Page: If you're having more persistent issues, or don't have immediate access to your linked contact information, this page offers more comprehensive options.
Let's proceed with the most common and recommended path first: using the "Forgot password" link directly from the login page.
Step 2: Initiating the Password Reset from the Login Screen
This is where the magic begins! You'll tell TurboTax you need a little help remembering your login details.
Sub-heading 2.1: Navigating to the Reset Option
Go to the TurboTax Login Page: Open your web browser and go to the official TurboTax login page. You can usually find this by searching "TurboTax login" or by visiting
myturbotax.intuit.com.Locate the "Forgot Password" Link: On the login screen, you'll see fields for your User ID/Email and Password. Look for a link, often small and easily missed, that says something like "Forgot password?", "Having trouble signing in?", or "Can't access your account?" Click on this link.
Sub-heading 2.2: Providing Your Account Information
Once you click the "Forgot password" link, you'll be redirected to a page where TurboTax asks for information to identify your account.
Enter Your Account Identifier: You'll typically be prompted to enter one of the following:
Your Phone Number (Recommended): If you have a phone number linked to your Intuit/TurboTax account, this is often the fastest and most reliable method.
Your Email Address: The email address you used to create your TurboTax account.
Your User ID: If you remember your TurboTax User ID.
Choose the option you have readily available. Entering your phone number is often the most secure and streamlined way as it's directly tied to a physical device you possess.
Click "Continue" or "Next": After entering your chosen identifier, click the "Continue" or "Next" button to proceed.
Step 3: Verification – Proving It's You!
Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive tax information. TurboTax will now send a verification code to ensure that you are the legitimate owner of the account.
Sub-heading 3.1: Receiving Your Verification Code
Check Your Email or Phone: Depending on what you entered in Step 2, TurboTax will send a verification code to your registered email address or phone number (via text message).
If you chose email: Check your inbox, including your spam or junk folders, for an email from Intuit or TurboTax with a subject line like "Your TurboTax Verification Code" or "Reset Your Intuit Account Password."
If you chose phone number: Check your phone's text messages for a code from a short number or "Intuit."
Important Note: Keep the Browser Tab Open! When you receive the code, do not close the browser window or tab where you initiated the password reset. Closing it might invalidate the code and force you to start over. Open your email or messages in a separate tab or on a different device.
Sub-heading 3.2: Entering the Verification Code
Enter the Code: Go back to the TurboTax password reset page in your browser. You'll see a field where you need to enter the verification code you just received.
Click "Verify" or "Submit Code": Once you've accurately entered the code, click the corresponding button to verify your identity.
Sub-heading 3.3: What if You Don't Receive the Code?
Sometimes, technology can be finicky. If you don't receive the verification code:
Double-Check Your Input: Ensure you entered the correct phone number or email address in Step 2. Even a small typo can prevent the code from reaching you.
Check Spam/Junk Folder: For email, always check your spam or junk mail folder.
Wait a Few Moments: Sometimes there's a slight delay. Give it a minute or two.
Request a New Code: On the verification page, there's usually an option like "Resend code" or "I didn't get a code." Click this to have a new one sent.
Try a Different Method: If you initially tried email, try using your phone number (if linked) or vice-versa.
Clear Browser Cache/Cookies: In rare cases, browser issues can interfere. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then trying again from a fresh browser session, can sometimes resolve this.
Step 4: Setting Your New TurboTax Password
Congratulations! You've successfully verified your identity. Now it's time to create a brand new password.
Sub-heading 4.1: Creating a Strong, New Password
Enter Your New Password: You'll be prompted to enter a new password. TurboTax (Intuit) will have specific requirements for password strength. These typically include:
Minimum length: Usually 8-16 characters.
Combination of characters: Often requires a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., !, @, #, $).
Avoid easily guessed passwords: Don't use personal information like your name, birthdate, or simple sequences like "123456" or "password."
Confirm Your New Password: You'll need to enter your new password a second time to confirm it. This helps prevent typos.
Sub-heading 4.2: Best Practices for Your New Password
Make it Unique: Do not reuse passwords from other online accounts. If another account is compromised, your TurboTax account could be vulnerable.
Use a Password Manager: Consider using a reputable password manager (e.g., LastPass, Dashlane, 1Password) to generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. This eliminates the need to remember them all.
Write it Down (Securely!): If you absolutely must write it down, do so offline in a secure place, away from your computer. Never on a sticky note attached to your monitor!
Step 5: Confirmation and Login
You're almost there!
Confirmation Message: After setting your new password, you should see a confirmation message indicating that your password has been successfully updated.
Log In with Your New Password: You'll typically be redirected to the TurboTax login page. Use your User ID or email address, along with your newly created password, to log in.
Voila! You should now have full access to your TurboTax account.
When Things Get Tricky: The Account Recovery Form
If you've tried the above steps and are still unable to gain access (e.g., you no longer have access to the phone number or email on file), TurboTax (Intuit) offers an Account Recovery Form. This is a more rigorous process designed to verify your identity when standard methods aren't possible.
Sub-heading: Using the Account Recovery Form
Access the Form: From the regular sign-in help page, if you can't get a code, look for an option like "Try something else" or "I lost access to my phone or email address." This will lead you to the account recovery form.
Provide Detailed Information: You will be asked to provide more detailed information to verify your identity. This can include:
Previous addresses
Details about your tax returns (e.g., AGI from a prior year)
Personal identification questions
Upload Identification (If Required): In some cases, you may be required to upload a high-quality photo or scanned copy of a valid government-issued ID (like a driver's license, state ID, or passport) to confirm your identity.
Wait for Review: Once you submit the form and any required documents, Intuit's security team will review your submission. This process can take up to one business day (during business hours, typically Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time). You will receive an email from
no_response@intuit.comwith the next steps or a link to reset your password once your identity is confirmed.
This method is more time-consuming but is essential if you've lost access to your primary contact methods.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to TurboTax password and account access, with quick answers:
How to find my TurboTax User ID if I forgot it?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in help page and enter your associated phone number or email address. TurboTax will often show or send you a list of User IDs linked to that contact information.
How to update my phone number or email address on my TurboTax account?
Once you've successfully logged into your TurboTax account, navigate to your "Intuit Account" settings (usually found in the account menu or profile settings). From there, you can edit your contact information.
How to resolve "Access Denied" errors when trying to log into TurboTax?
First, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then close and reopen your browser. Try logging in again. If the problem persists, try using a different web browser or an incognito/private Browse window.
How to know if I have multiple TurboTax accounts?
You can use the Intuit account recovery page (
accounts.intuit.com/account-recovery.html) and enter an email address or phone number. It might show you a list of all accounts associated with that contact information.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for login issues?
Visit the TurboTax support website and look for their "Contact Us" or "Support" section. You may need to answer a few questions to get directed to the correct contact options (phone or chat) during their business hours.
How to get a copy of a previous year's tax return if I can't log in?
If you can't regain access to your TurboTax account, you can typically request a transcript of your tax return directly from the IRS (for federal returns) or your state's tax agency. You can also order a copy of your full return from the IRS for a fee.
How to ensure my TurboTax account is secure?
Always use a strong, unique password. Enable two-factor authentication (if available) for an extra layer of security. Keep your recovery email and phone number up to date. Be wary of phishing emails.
How to deal with a verification code that isn't working?
Ensure you're using the most recent code sent. Codes are often time-sensitive. Delete any older codes you might have received. If it still doesn't work, request a new one and try again.
How to log in to TurboTax if I'm abroad and don't have access to my registered phone number?
You'll likely need to use the email-based verification method or the comprehensive account recovery form if you've lost access to your primary phone number. Ensure your email is accessible globally.
How to avoid forgetting my TurboTax password in the future?
Use a password manager to securely store it. Alternatively, write it down and keep it in a very safe, offline location. Consider creating a memorable passphrase rather than a random string of characters (e.g., "MyTaxRefund2025IsAwesome!").
