Forgetting a password can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to something as important as your tax information. But don't worry, you're not alone, and resetting your TurboTax password is a straightforward process designed to keep your financial data secure. Let's get you back into your account!
The Definitive Guide: How to Reset Your TurboTax Password
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of resetting your TurboTax password, whether you've completely forgotten it or just want to change it for security reasons.
Step 1: Let's Get Started! Are You Locked Out or Just Want a Change?
Before we dive in, consider your current situation:
Scenario A: You've completely forgotten your TurboTax password and cannot log in. You need to reset it.
Scenario B: You can log in to your TurboTax account, but you want to change your password for better security or because you suspect it might be compromised.
Choose the scenario that applies to you, as the steps will vary slightly.
Step 2: Accessing the Password Reset Portal (Scenario A: Forgot Password)
If you're locked out of your account because you've forgotten your password, this is where you'll begin.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Correct Page
Open your web browser: Launch your preferred internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.).
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page: The easiest way to do this is to type
turbotax.cominto your address bar and press Enter. Once on the TurboTax homepage, look for a "Sign In" or "My Account" button, usually located in the top right corner. Click on it.Initiate the "Forgot Password" process: On the sign-in page, you'll see fields for your User ID and Password. Below these, you should find a link that says something like "Forgot User ID or Password?" or "Having trouble signing in?". Click on this link.
Step 3: Verifying Your Identity (Scenario A: Forgot Password)
Security is paramount when dealing with tax information. TurboTax (an Intuit product) will need to verify your identity to ensure only you can access your account.
Sub-heading: Providing Your Account Information
Enter your identification: You'll be prompted to enter one of the following associated with your TurboTax account:
Phone Number (Recommended): This is often the fastest and most secure method if you have a phone number linked to your account.
Email Address: The email address you used to create your TurboTax account.
User ID: Your specific TurboTax User ID.
Tip: If you're unsure which email or phone number is linked, try the one you most frequently use for online accounts.
Click "Continue" or "Next": After entering your information, proceed to the next step.
Sub-heading: Receiving Your Verification Code
Choose your verification method: Depending on the information you provided, TurboTax will offer options to send a verification code. This could be:
A text message (SMS) to your linked phone number.
An email to your linked email address.
A phone call with an automated code.
Select your preferred method and click "Send Code" or a similar button.
Check for the code:
For SMS: Open your phone's messaging app and look for a message from TurboTax or Intuit.
For Email: Check your inbox for an email from
Do_not_reply@intuit.com(or a similar Intuit address). Remember to check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it in your main inbox!For Phone Call: Answer the incoming call and listen carefully for the spoken code.
Enter the verification code: Once you receive the code, type it into the designated field on the TurboTax password reset page. Be quick, as these codes often have a time limit.
Follow additional prompts: In some cases, TurboTax might ask additional security questions to further verify your identity, especially if the system doesn't recognize your device or if there have been unusual login attempts. Answer these questions accurately.
Step 4: Creating Your New Password (Scenario A: Forgot Password)
Once your identity is successfully verified, you'll be able to set a brand-new password.
Sub-heading: Choosing a Strong and Secure Password
Enter your new password: You'll be presented with a field to enter your new password.
Password Requirements: TurboTax generally requires strong passwords. This typically means:
At least 8 characters long (often more, such as 10-12 recommended for stronger security).
A combination of uppercase letters (A-Z).
Lowercase letters (a-z).
Numbers (0-9).
Symbols (!@#$%^&*).
Avoid using easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
Confirm your new password: Re-enter your new password in the second field to ensure there are no typos.
Click "Reset Password" or "Save": Once confirmed, click the button to finalize the password reset.
Congratulations! Your TurboTax password has now been reset. You should be automatically logged in or redirected to the sign-in page where you can now use your new credentials.
Step 5: Changing Your Password While Logged In (Scenario B: Changing Password)
If you're already logged into your TurboTax account and simply wish to update your password for security, the process is slightly different.
Sub-heading: Accessing Account Settings
Log in to your TurboTax account: Go to
turbotax.comand sign in with your current User ID and password.Locate "Intuit Account" or "Account Settings": Once logged in, look for a link or option related to "Intuit Account," "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Security Settings." This is often found in the lower-left sidebar, under a menu, or in a dropdown from your name/profile icon in the top right.
Navigate to "Sign In & Security": Within your Intuit Account settings, you'll typically find a section dedicated to "Sign In & Security." Click on this.
Sub-heading: Updating Your Password
Find the "Password" option: Within the "Sign In & Security" section, you should see an option to "Edit" or "Change" your password. Click on it.
Enter your current password: For security purposes, you will likely be asked to enter your current TurboTax password. This verifies that you are the legitimate account holder.
Enter your new password: Now, type in your desired new password, adhering to the strong password requirements mentioned in Step 4 (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols, length).
Confirm your new password: Re-enter the new password to confirm it.
Click "Save" or "Update Password": Finalize the change by clicking the save button.
Your password has now been updated! For your security, it's a good practice to log out and then log back in using your new password to ensure it's been successfully saved.
Step 6: What If I Can't Recover My Account? (Advanced Troubleshooting)
In rare cases, the standard password reset methods might not work. This could be due to:
No longer having access to the phone number or email address linked to your account.
Security questions you can't answer.
Unusual activity detected on your account.
Sub-heading: Account Recovery Request
If you've exhausted the standard methods, TurboTax (Intuit) has an account recovery process.
Look for "Try something else" or "Account Recovery Form": On the "Forgot Password" page, if you're unable to receive a code or answer security questions, there's usually an option to "Try something else" or initiate an "Account Recovery Request." Click this.
Provide detailed information: You will likely be asked to provide more in-depth personal information to verify your identity. This might include:
Full Name
Date of Birth
Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Previous addresses
Information from prior tax returns (e.g., AGI from a specific year)
Potentially, you may even be asked to upload a picture of a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport).
Be patient: Account recovery can take some time as TurboTax verifies the information. You'll typically receive an email with updates on the status of your request.
Important Note: TurboTax takes security very seriously. The more detailed and accurate information you can provide, the faster and smoother the recovery process will be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - How to Reset TurboTax Password
Here are 10 common questions related to resetting your TurboTax password, along with quick answers:
How to Reset TurboTax Password if I Forgot My User ID Too? Go to the sign-in help page and enter either your linked phone number or email address. TurboTax can usually identify your account even if you don't remember your specific User ID.
How to Change My TurboTax Password if I'm Already Logged In? Navigate to your "Intuit Account" or "Account Settings" (usually found in the left sidebar or profile menu), then go to "Sign In & Security" and select the option to change your password.
How to Reset My TurboTax Password if I Don't Have Access to My Linked Email/Phone? You will need to go through the more extensive "Account Recovery Request" process. This often involves providing more personal details and potentially uploading a government-issued ID for verification.
How to Get a Verification Code from TurboTax if I Didn't Receive It? First, check your spam or junk mail folder for emails. For text messages, ensure your phone number is correct and you have good signal. If still no code, request a new one by clicking "I didn't get a code" on the verification screen.
How to Troubleshoot if My TurboTax Password Reset Code Isn't Working? Ensure you are entering the most recent code sent. Codes are often time-sensitive. Close any extra tabs or windows where codes might have been requested, and request a fresh code. Clear your browser's cache and cookies if problems persist.
How to Create a Strong New Password for TurboTax? Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Aim for a password that is at least 10-12 characters long, and avoid using personal information or common words.
How to Recover My TurboTax Account if I'm Asked for Security Questions I Don't Know? If you're stuck on security questions, look for an option like "Try something else" or "Account Recovery Form" on the page. This will lead you to a more in-depth verification process.
How to Contact TurboTax Customer Support for Password Reset Help? While self-service options are usually sufficient, if you're completely stuck, you can visit the TurboTax Support website (ttlc.intuit.com) and search for "contact us" to find phone or chat options. Be prepared for potentially longer wait times during peak tax season.
How to Reset My TurboTax Desktop Software Password? For TurboTax Desktop, the password protects the file itself, not your online account. If you forgot this file password, there's generally no reset option, as it's for security. You might need to start a new return if you cannot recall it, unless you previously saved a copy without the password.
How to Ensure My TurboTax Account is Secure After Resetting My Password? Always use a strong, unique password. Consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) if available on your Intuit account, which adds an extra layer of security requiring a code from your phone in addition to your password. Regularly review your account activity.