It sounds like you're looking to streamline your tax preparation, and it's a common desire to consolidate information! However, here's the crucial information you need to know right upfront:
TurboTax accounts cannot be merged or directly linked in the way you might be envisioning.
Yes, you read that right. While it might seem counterintuitive in a world of interconnected digital services, TurboTax's system is designed so that each account functions independently. This is primarily for security and data integrity reasons.
Now, don't despair! While you can't "link" them, there are absolutely ways to manage your tax preparation efficiently if you have multiple accounts or if you're transitioning, say, from filing separately to filing jointly. This lengthy guide will walk you through the practical steps to handle your situation effectively.
Navigating Multiple TurboTax Accounts: A Practical Guide
Having more than one TurboTax account can happen for various reasons – perhaps you accidentally created a new one, filed separately from a spouse in the past and now want to file jointly, or simply forgot your old login. Regardless of the reason, the key is to understand how to proceed without losing valuable tax history or making the process more complicated than it needs to be.
Step 1: Let's get started by figuring out your current situation!
Before we dive into solutions, let's pinpoint what you're dealing with. Answer these questions for yourself:
Why do you have two (or more) TurboTax accounts?
Did you create a new one by mistake?
Are you and your spouse each filing separately but now want to file jointly?
Do you have an old account with past tax returns you need to access?
Is one account for personal taxes and another for business?
What is your primary goal?
Do you want to combine your tax history into one place?
Are you trying to file a joint return with your spouse using previous year data?
Do you just need to access a past return from an old account?
Understanding your "why" will help you choose the most efficient path forward.
Step 2: Understanding the "No Merge" Reality
As mentioned, TurboTax does not allow you to merge or combine accounts. This means:
You cannot transfer a tax return from one TurboTax online account to another.
You cannot link two separate accounts to pull data seamlessly between them.
This design ensures that each tax return is tied to a unique account and user ID, maintaining a clear audit trail and protecting your sensitive financial information.
Step 3: Choosing Your Primary Account for Future Filings
Since merging isn't an option, the most practical approach is to designate one TurboTax account as your primary account for all future tax filings.
Sub-heading 3.1: Criteria for Selecting Your Primary Account
Consider these factors when choosing which account to keep:
Account with the most recent tax history: If one account has several years of your past tax returns, it's generally better to stick with that one. TurboTax excels at transferring prior-year data within the same account, saving you significant time.
Account with easier access: Choose the account you can most reliably log into, perhaps the one linked to your most frequently used email address or with a memorable password.
Account for joint filing (if applicable): If you're now filing jointly with a spouse, you'll need to decide whose existing account will become the primary for the joint returns.
Tip for couples: Often, it's advised to choose the account of the spouse who has the more complex tax situation (e.g., self-employment, depreciation, more investments) as it might have more detailed historical data to leverage. However, ultimately, any account can be used for a joint return by adding the spouse's information.
Sub-heading 3.2: Securing Access to Your Chosen Account
Once you've decided on your primary account:
Verify your login credentials: Make sure you have the correct User ID and password.
Update recovery options: Ensure the email address and phone number associated with the account are current, in case you ever need to recover your password.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security and is highly recommended. Most modern online services offer 2FA, and TurboTax is no exception.
Step 4: Accessing Past Returns from the "Old" Account(s)
Even if you abandon an old TurboTax account for future filings, you'll still need access to your past tax returns for record-keeping, auditing purposes, or for referencing information for future tax years.
Sub-heading 4.1: Retrieving Tax Files from an Online Account
Log in to the "old" TurboTax account: Use the user ID and password specifically associated with that account.
Navigate to your tax returns: Look for sections like "My Tax Returns," "Tax Timeline," or "Documents."
Download PDF copies: TurboTax allows you to download PDF copies of your filed returns. It's crucial to download and save these to a secure, easily accessible location on your computer or a cloud storage service.
Download the .tax file (if available): For some desktop versions or certain online scenarios, you might also have a ".taxYYYY" file (e.g., .tax2023 for 2023 returns). While this file cannot be imported into a different TurboTax online account, it's the native file format for the software and can be useful if you ever use the desktop version.
Sub-heading 4.2: What if You Can't Remember Your Old Account Details?
Account Recovery Tool: TurboTax (Intuit) offers an account recovery tool. You can usually find this on their login page or by searching "TurboTax account recovery." You'll typically need to enter an email address you might have used, and the tool will show you any User IDs associated with that email. Try all email addresses you may have used in the past!
Contact TurboTax Support: If the recovery tool doesn't help, your next step is to contact TurboTax customer support directly. Be prepared to verify your identity thoroughly (e.g., name, address, Social Security Number, past AGI) to regain access.
Step 5: Handling Joint Filings (if applicable)
If you and your spouse previously filed separately and now wish to file jointly, you will not be merging your TurboTax accounts. Instead, you will choose one of your existing accounts (or even create a new one, though that's less ideal) to prepare a single joint return.
Sub-heading 5.1: Preparing Your First Joint Return
Choose the primary account: As discussed in Step 3, decide which spouse's TurboTax account will be used for the joint filing.
Start a new return in the chosen account: When prompted for your filing status, select "Married Filing Jointly."
Enter both spouses' information: You will then be prompted to enter your spouse's personal information, including their name, Social Security Number, and date of birth.
Manually enter prior year AGI (if necessary): For your first joint return, you might need your spouse's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from their last separate return for identity verification purposes. Ensure you have access to their prior year's tax return (PDF copy from their old TurboTax account or a physical copy).
Input all income and deductions for both spouses: Remember, a joint return combines all income, deductions, and credits for both individuals onto one return. You will need all tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) for both you and your spouse.
Sub-heading 5.2: What about Prior Year Data Transfer for Joint Filing?
Only transfers within the same account: TurboTax can only transfer prior-year data if the prior year's return was filed within that same TurboTax account.
Manual entry for the first joint year: This means for your very first joint return, you will likely need to manually enter information that would have been pre-filled if you were simply rolling over from a prior year's individual return in the same account. It's a bit more work upfront, but it sets you up for easy rollovers in future joint filings.
Don't delete the "other" account: Keep the account of the spouse whose data isn't being transferred active (or at least accessible) for historical records.
Step 6: Best Practices for Managing Your TurboTax Accounts
To avoid future confusion and ensure smooth tax preparation:
Stick to one primary account: Once you've chosen your main TurboTax account, commit to using it for all future tax years.
Keep detailed records: Maintain copies of all your tax returns (PDFs are best) from all accounts, securely stored. This includes returns from "abandoned" accounts.
Document User IDs and Passwords: Use a secure password manager to store the login credentials for all your TurboTax accounts. Label them clearly (e.g., "TurboTax - Primary," "TurboTax - Spouse's Old Account").
Consolidate email addresses (if possible): If you have multiple email addresses tied to different accounts, consider updating them to a single, secure email address for better management, though this won't "merge" the accounts themselves.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions related to managing multiple TurboTax accounts:
How to access a tax return from a previous year if I used a different TurboTax account?
You'll need to log into the specific TurboTax account (using the User ID and password associated with it) that was used to file that particular year's return. Once logged in, navigate to your past returns section and download the PDF.
How to transfer my tax data from one TurboTax account to another?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer tax data or returns between different TurboTax online accounts. Data transfer only occurs year-to-year within the same account. You'll need to manually re-enter information if switching accounts.
How to find out if I have multiple TurboTax accounts?
Go to the TurboTax account recovery page and enter any email addresses you may have used. The tool will display all User IDs linked to that email. Repeat this for all possible email addresses.
How to delete an old TurboTax account I no longer use?
While you can discontinue using an account, TurboTax generally doesn't offer a direct "delete account" option for accounts that have filed returns due to record-keeping requirements. You can simply stop using it and ensure you have downloaded all past tax return PDFs.
How to file jointly if my spouse and I each have separate TurboTax accounts?
Choose one account to be the primary for joint filing. When starting a new return in that account, select "Married Filing Jointly." You will then enter your spouse's information and combine all income and deductions onto that single joint return.
How to change the email address associated with my TurboTax account?
Log into your TurboTax account, go to your account settings or profile, and look for options to update your email address. You will likely need to verify the change via your old email.
How to import prior year tax data if I'm using a new TurboTax account?
If you're using a completely new TurboTax account, the software won't automatically import prior-year data from an old account. You will need to manually enter your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and other relevant details from your previous tax return.
How to retrieve my TurboTax User ID if I forgot it?
Use the "Forgot User ID" link on the TurboTax login page. You'll typically be asked to enter your email address or phone number, and TurboTax will send you your User ID.
How to ensure my sensitive tax information is secure across multiple accounts?
Always use strong, unique passwords for each account, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, and download and store PDF copies of your returns in a secure, encrypted location.
How to get help from TurboTax support if I have account access issues?
Visit the TurboTax support website and look for options to "Contact Us" or "Help." Be prepared to provide identifying information to verify your identity for security purposes.