You've just hit "File" on your TurboTax return, or maybe you're still in the process and suddenly thought, "Wait, I need to cancel that!" It's a common scenario, whether you've discovered a forgotten W-2, a new deduction, or simply realized you made a critical error. Don't panic! While canceling a TurboTax filing after it's been accepted by the IRS is generally not possible, there are different steps you can take depending on the stage of your filing.
Let's walk through the various scenarios and how to navigate them.
Cancelling a TurboTax Filing: A Step-by-Step Guide
The ability to "cancel" your TurboTax filing heavily depends on one crucial factor: Has your return been accepted by the IRS (or your state tax authority) yet?
Step 1: Have you already submitted your return? Let's figure out where you stand!
This is the most critical question. Your options will vary significantly based on whether your return is still in progress, pending acceptance, or already accepted.
Scenario A: You haven't paid or filed yet. You're in the best position! You can easily clear your return and start over, or simply abandon it.
Scenario B: You've paid but haven't transmitted (e-filed) your return. Good news! You still have options to make changes or restart.
Scenario C: You've transmitted (e-filed) your return, and it's pending acceptance. This is a tricky spot. You generally cannot stop a return once it's been transmitted.
Scenario D: Your return has been accepted by the IRS. This is the most complex scenario, as you cannot "cancel" an accepted return. You'll need to amend it.
Scenario E: Your return was rejected by the IRS. Excellent news (in a way)! A rejection means you can fix the errors and re-file.
Let's dive into the detailed steps for each scenario.
Step 2: Cancelling Before Transmission (Scenarios A & B)
If your return hasn't been e-filed or printed and mailed, you have a lot of flexibility.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users (Haven't Paid or Filed)
If you haven't paid for TurboTax Online and haven't transmitted your return, you don't actually need to "cancel" anything. You can simply abandon the return or clear the data.
Clear and Start Over:
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account.
Navigate to Tax Tools (usually in the left-hand menu).
Select Clear & Start Over.
Confirm that you want to erase all your entered information. This will essentially reset your return to zero, allowing you to start fresh or simply stop.
Simply Abandon It: If you don't want to use TurboTax at all, you can just sign out and not return. Your partially completed return will remain on your account, but it won't be filed.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users (Paid, but Not Filed)
If you've paid for a TurboTax Online product but haven't yet clicked the final "File" or "Transmit My Return" button:
Make Corrections: You can go back into your return and make any necessary changes. TurboTax allows you to navigate through all sections until you hit the final e-file step.
Request a Refund (if applicable): If you paid for a product but decided not to use TurboTax at all for your filing, you might be eligible for a refund.
Visit the TurboTax Refund Request page on their support site.
Be aware of their refund policy timelines and conditions. Generally, refund requests for online products need to be within a certain number of days after purchase and before filing.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop Users (CD/Download)
If you're using the desktop version of TurboTax and haven't printed or e-filed:
Start a New Return:
Open your TurboTax Desktop software.
Go to the File menu at the top left of the program screen.
Select New Tax Return.
This will create a blank return. You can either delete the previous, incorrect file from your computer (it's usually a file with a
.taxXXXXextension, whereXXXXis the tax year) or simply rename it so you don't confuse it with your new, correct return.
Delete the File: To completely remove the old return file:
Navigate to your Documents directory.
Open the TurboTax folder.
Find the file named similarly to "20XX Your Name Form 1040 Individual Tax Return.tax20XX" (where 20XX is the tax year).
Delete this file. Be sure you're deleting the correct one!
Step 3: What to Do if Your Return is Pending (Scenario C)
This is a common point of confusion. Once you've transmitted your return (e-filed), it enters a "pending" state. This means it's been sent to the IRS (or state) but hasn't been formally accepted or rejected yet.
Crucial Point: You cannot retrieve or stop a return once it has been transmitted and is in "pending" status. Think of it like dropping a letter in a mailbox – once it's in, you can't get it back.
What to do: You must wait. The IRS will either accept or reject your return. You'll receive an email notification from TurboTax informing you of the status change.
If Accepted: Proceed to Step 5 (Amending Your Return).
If Rejected: Proceed to Step 4 (Fixing a Rejected Return).
Step 4: Fixing a Rejected Return (Scenario E)
A rejected return is actually a good thing if you need to make changes! It means the IRS found an error that prevented them from processing it, and you get a chance to fix it and re-file.
Check Your Email: TurboTax will send you an email with the reason for the rejection, often including a specific rejection code. Read this email carefully.
Sign In and "Fix My Return":
Log in to your TurboTax account.
You should see an alert or a clear option to "Fix My Return" or "Correct My Return." Click on this.
TurboTax will guide you through the process of identifying and correcting the error. Common reasons for rejection include:
Incorrect AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from a prior year.
Mismatched Social Security Number (SSN) or name.
Dependent claimed by another taxpayer.
Incorrect date of birth.
Make Necessary Changes: Follow the prompts to correct the information.
Double-check everything! Ensure all names, SSNs, dates of birth, and financial figures are accurate.
Review and Re-submit:
Once you've made the corrections, review your entire return thoroughly one more time.
Save a PDF copy of your updated return for your records.
Re-submit your return electronically. There's usually no extra charge for re-filing a rejected return.
If your return continues to be rejected after multiple attempts to e-file, you may need to print and mail your return instead.
Step 5: Amending an Accepted Return (Scenario D)
If your return has been accepted by the IRS, you cannot "cancel" it. The only way to make changes is to file an amended return using Form 1040-X.
Sub-heading: Important Considerations Before Amending
Wait for Processing: Do not amend your return until your original return has been fully processed by the IRS and you have received your refund (if applicable) or paid any taxes due. Amending too soon can cause further delays and confusion.
Gather Documentation: Have all corrected or new documents (e.g., forgotten W-2, new 1099, receipts for deductions) ready.
Understand the Impact: Amending your return can affect your refund or amount owed. Be prepared for potential changes.
Sub-heading: Steps to Amend Your Return with TurboTax
Access Your Filed Return:
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account.
Go to "Your Tax Returns & Documents" or "Tax Home."
Select the tax year you need to amend.
Look for an option like "Amend (change) a return" or "Amend a filed return."
Start the Amendment Process: TurboTax will guide you through the amendment process. It typically involves:
Choosing the reason for the amendment (e.g., correcting income, deductions, credits, or dependents).
Making the necessary changes to the original figures. TurboTax will usually show you the original amounts and allow you to enter the corrected amounts.
Review the Form 1040-X: TurboTax will generate Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form details the original figures, the changes, and the new tax liability/refund.
Carefully review this form to ensure all changes are reflected accurately.
Print and Mail the Amended Return:
Important: Generally, federal amended returns (Form 1040-X) cannot be e-filed and must be printed and mailed to the IRS. Some states may allow e-filing of amended returns, but always verify this with TurboTax or your state's tax agency.
TurboTax will provide instructions on where to mail your Form 1040-X.
Attach any new or corrected forms (like W-2s, 1099s, etc.) that support your changes.
Sign and date the Form 1040-X before mailing.
Track Your Amended Return:
The IRS can take up to 16 weeks or more to process amended returns.
You can track the status of your amended return using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool online (usually available about three weeks after mailing).
Step 6: Contacting TurboTax Customer Support
While this guide covers most scenarios, sometimes specific or complex situations arise. If you're unsure about any step or encounter technical difficulties:
Visit the TurboTax Help & Support website: This is often the quickest way to find answers to common questions.
Use the TurboTax Community Forum: Other users and experts often provide helpful advice.
Contact TurboTax Customer Support:
You can usually find options to chat with a live agent or request a phone call through their support pages.
Be prepared with your account information and a clear description of your issue.
Conclusion: Patience and Precision are Key
Canceling or correcting a TurboTax filing isn't always a straightforward "undo" button, especially once it's been sent to the tax authorities. The key is to understand the stage your return is in:
Before transmission: Easy to correct or clear.
Pending: Wait for acceptance or rejection.
Rejected: Fix and re-file.
Accepted: Amend your return via mail.
Always double-check your information before hitting that final "File" button to save yourself potential headaches down the line!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my TurboTax return has been accepted or rejected?
You will receive an email from TurboTax notifying you of your return's status (accepted or rejected). You can also log in to your TurboTax account and check your filing status there.
How to fix a TurboTax return if it was rejected?
Log in to your TurboTax account, look for the "Fix My Return" option, and follow the guided steps to correct the errors indicated by the rejection code. After fixing, re-submit your return electronically.
How to amend a TurboTax return that was already accepted?
You must file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Log in to TurboTax, find the "Amend (change) a return" option for the specific tax year, make your corrections, and then print and mail the 1040-X to the IRS.
How to track the status of an amended tax return filed via TurboTax?
After mailing your amended return (Form 1040-X), you can track its status using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on their website. It typically takes about three weeks from the mailing date for the status to appear.
How to clear and start over in TurboTax Online if I haven't filed yet?
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account, go to "Tax Tools" (usually on the left menu), and select "Clear & Start Over." Confirm your choice to erase all entered data.
How to get a refund for TurboTax if I paid but didn't file?
Visit the TurboTax Refund Request page on their support website. Ensure you meet their refund policy criteria, which usually involves a time limit from purchase and not having filed your return.
How to cancel a TurboTax Advantage subscription?
Sign in to your Intuit Account, navigate to "TurboTax Advantage," and select "Remove product" under each listed product. Once all products are removed, your subscription is canceled.
How to delete a tax file in TurboTax Desktop edition?
To delete a specific tax file in the desktop version, go to your computer's Documents folder, open the "TurboTax" folder for the relevant tax year, and delete the .taxXXXX file associated with the return you wish to remove.
How to make changes to a TurboTax return that is "pending" with the IRS?
You cannot make changes or stop a return once it's in "pending" status. You must wait for the IRS to either accept or reject it. If rejected, you can fix and re-file; if accepted, you'll need to amend it.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for assistance with cancelling a filing?
Visit the TurboTax Help & Support website, search for your specific issue, and look for options to chat with a live agent or request a callback. Be prepared with your account details.