Taxes can be daunting, and sometimes, you just need a fresh start. Whether you've made a few too many errors, decided to switch tax strategies mid-way, or simply want to ensure everything is perfect, restarting your taxes on TurboTax can be a clean slate. This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, for both TurboTax Online and the Desktop software.
Ready to hit the reset button on your tax return? Let's dive in!
Understanding When You Can Restart
Before we begin, it's crucial to understand the limitations. You can generally restart your taxes on TurboTax if you haven't already paid for the online edition, filed your tax return, or registered your Free edition. Once any of these actions have been taken, the process becomes more complex, and a full "restart" in the traditional sense might not be possible (though amendments are an option after filing).
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| How To Restart My Taxes On Turbotax |
For TurboTax Online Users: Clear and Start Over
TurboTax Online offers a straightforward way to clear your existing return and begin anew, as long as you meet the criteria mentioned above.
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account
The very first thing you need to do is log in to your TurboTax Online account. Go to the official TurboTax website and enter your credentials.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Return
Once logged in, you should see your current tax return listed. Click on it to open it and continue where you left off. This is necessary to access the "Tax Tools" option.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Step 2: Locate the 'Tax Tools' Menu
On the left-hand side of the TurboTax program screen, while you are actively working on your tax return, you'll find a menu. Scroll down if necessary to find the option labeled "Tax Tools".
Sub-heading: What if I don't see "Tax Tools"?
If "Tax Tools" isn't immediately visible, ensure you are inside your active tax return. Sometimes, it might only appear once you've clicked past the initial welcome screens. If you've just logged in, click "Continue" to get into the return itself.
Step 3: Select 'Clear & Start Over'
Click on "Tax Tools" to expand the options. Among the choices that appear, you will see "Clear & Start Over". This is the magical button you're looking for!
Step 4: Confirm Your Decision
After clicking "Clear & Start Over," TurboTax will prompt you with a confirmation message. This message will explain that all your entered data will be erased, and you will be starting from scratch. Read this carefully! If you're absolutely sure, click "Yes" or "Confirm" to proceed.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Sub-heading: A Word of Caution
This action is irreversible for the current return. Once you clear it, that data is gone. If you think you might need to refer to any of the information you previously entered, it's a good idea to take screenshots or make notes before confirming the clear.
Step 5: Begin Your New Return
Once confirmed, your TurboTax Online return will be reset. You'll be taken back to the beginning, as if you've just started your taxes for the first time this year. You can now begin entering your information with a fresh perspective!
For TurboTax Desktop Software Users: Starting Fresh
If you're using the TurboTax Desktop software (CD/Download version), the process for restarting is a little different, focusing on creating a new file rather than clearing an existing one.
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Step 1: Open Your TurboTax Desktop Software
Launch your TurboTax Desktop application on your computer.
Step 2: Initiate a New Tax Return
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Once the software is open, look for the "File" menu in the top left corner of the application window. Click on "File", and then select "New Tax Return".
Sub-heading: Understanding the "New Tax Return" Function
Selecting "New Tax Return" will create an entirely new, blank tax file. This is like opening a brand new physical tax form. Your previous return, if you saved it, will remain untouched as a separate file.
Step 3: Choose to Save or Discard Your Old Return (Optional but Recommended)
When you start a new return, the software might ask you if you want to save your current (old) return.
Highly Recommended: It's often a good idea to save your old return with a distinct name (e.g., "MyTaxes_Mistake_V1.tax") before starting a new one. This way, if you realize you needed some information from it, or if you simply want a record, you have it.
Alternatively, if you're absolutely sure you don't need it, you can choose not to save it or even delete the
.taxfile from your computer's hard drive later.
Sub-heading: Locating and Managing .tax Files
TurboTax Desktop files are typically saved with a .tax extension (e.g., "My2024Taxes.tax"). You can find these files in the default save location for TurboTax, or wherever you chose to save them. You can rename, move, or delete these files like any other document on your computer.
Step 4: Begin Your New Tax Return
With your new, blank return open, you can now start the entire tax preparation process from the very beginning. This gives you the freedom to re-enter all your information accurately and confidently.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
FAQs: How to...
Here are 10 common questions related to restarting your taxes on TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to revert to a previous version of my TurboTax return?
You generally cannot "revert" to an earlier saved state within the same online return. If using TurboTax Desktop, you would open a previously saved .tax file if you saved multiple versions.
How to start over if I've already paid for TurboTax Online? If you've paid, you usually cannot use the "Clear & Start Over" option. You would need to contact TurboTax customer support to see if any exceptions apply or if they can assist you in any way.
How to erase my return if I've already filed it? Once filed, a return cannot be erased or restarted. You would need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the IRS and/or your state tax agency to correct any errors.
How to delete an inactive TurboTax Online return? Log in to your TurboTax account, go to "My Returns," and you should see a list of your returns. If there's a trash can icon next to the return you want to delete, click it. If not, you might need to open and then close another return to make the desired return "inactive" and thus deletable.
How to start a new return for a different tax year in TurboTax Desktop? In TurboTax Desktop, simply go to "File" > "New Tax Return" and the software will guide you through selecting the appropriate tax year.
How to get a refund if I restart and don't use the paid version of TurboTax Online? TurboTax's refund policy depends on various factors, including whether you've filed or if you meet specific conditions. Check TurboTax's refund policy or contact their billing support directly.
How to switch from TurboTax Online to TurboTax Desktop after starting? This isn't a direct "switch" where data transfers automatically. You would need to manually re-enter all your information into the desktop software, as there's no import feature from online to desktop.
How to ensure I don't lose any data when restarting (Desktop)?
Always save your current .tax file with a distinct name before starting a "New Tax Return." This creates a separate copy of your progress.
How to know if my TurboTax Online return is eligible to be cleared? As a general rule, if you haven't paid, filed, or registered the free edition, the "Clear & Start Over" option should be available under "Tax Tools."
How to get help from TurboTax support if I'm stuck? Visit the TurboTax support website (ttlc.intuit.com) or use the "Help" or "Contact Us" options within your TurboTax product to connect with their customer service.
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