Facing a tangled mess in your TurboTax return and just want to hit the reset button? You're not alone! It's incredibly common to realize you've made a few wrong turns or simply want a fresh start. Whether you've accidentally entered incorrect information, chosen the wrong product, or just feel overwhelmed, this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to start over with TurboTax, step by step.
Ready to clear the slate and tackle your taxes with confidence? Let's dive in!
Understanding When You Can "Start Over"
Before we jump into the steps, it's crucial to understand a key limitation: you can only truly "start over" and clear your entire return in TurboTax Online if you haven't yet paid for the online edition, e-filed your return, or registered the free edition. If you've already completed any of these actions, you'll likely need to manually edit your return or start a new return (for desktop users).
For TurboTax Desktop users, it's a bit more flexible – you can simply start a new return without affecting existing ones.
Step 1: Assess Your Situation – Online vs. Desktop
The first and most important step is to identify which version of TurboTax you are using. The process for starting over differs significantly between TurboTax Online and TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download).
Sub-heading: TurboTax Online Users – The "Clear & Start Over" Option
If you're using TurboTax directly through your web browser, this is your primary method. It's designed to wipe out all the data for your current year's return.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Desktop Users – Starting a New File
For those who purchased and installed the software on their computer, you have more control over your individual tax files. You won't "clear" a return in the same way; instead, you'll create a brand new one.
Step 2: Executing the "Start Over" Process
Let's get down to the practical steps for each version.
For TurboTax Online Users:
This is the most common scenario for users looking to completely reset their current tax year's return.
Step 2a: Log In to Your TurboTax Account
First things first, sign in to your TurboTax Online account where you've been working on your tax return. Make sure you're logged into the correct tax year you wish to clear.
Step 2b: Navigate to Tax Tools
Once you're in your return, look for the "Tax Tools" option. This is typically located on the left-hand side of the program screen. You might need to scroll down to find it.
Step 2c: Select "Clear & Start Over"
Click on "Tax Tools" to expand the menu. From the options that appear, select "Clear & Start Over".
Step 2d: Confirm Your Action
A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm if you are sure you want to clear your return. This is an important step, as this action cannot be undone.
Carefully read the warning message. If you are absolutely certain you want to erase all the information and begin from scratch, click "Yes" or "Clear and Start Over" to confirm.
Step 2e: Begin Anew!
Congratulations! Your current tax return has been wiped clean. You will now be taken back to the beginning of the tax filing process, as if you were starting for the very first time. You can now re-enter all your information accurately and proceed with your tax preparation.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users:
Starting over with the desktop version is less about "clearing" and more about simply creating a new, blank tax file.
Step 2a: Open Your TurboTax Desktop Software
Launch the TurboTax Desktop application on your computer.
Step 2b: Go to the "File" Menu
At the very top left of the program screen, you'll see a menu bar. Click on "File".
Step 2c: Select "New Tax Return"
From the "File" dropdown menu, choose "New Tax Return".
Step 2d: Create Your New Return
The software will prompt you to start a brand new return. You can now begin entering your information for this new file.
Step 2e: Handling Your Old Return (Optional)
Unlike the online version, your previous return file is not deleted automatically. It remains saved on your computer.
Option 1: Keep it for reference. You might want to keep the old file in case you need to refer to any information you entered previously. You can rename it (e.g., "MyTaxes2024_Incorrect" or "MyTaxes2024_Old") to differentiate it from your new, correct return.
Option 2: Delete it. If you are absolutely certain you no longer need the old file, you can delete it directly from your computer's file system (e.g., your Documents folder where TurboTax files are typically saved). Be very careful when deleting files to ensure you don't remove anything important by mistake.
Step 3: Best Practices for a Successful Restart
Now that you've initiated the restart, here are some crucial tips to ensure this time goes smoothly:
Sub-heading: Gather All Your Documents First
Before you enter a single piece of data, ensure you have all your necessary tax documents organized and readily available. This includes:
W-2s (for wages)
1099s (for various types of income like investments, independent contractor work, unemployment)
1098s (for mortgage interest, student loan interest, tuition)
Receipts for deductions and credits (charitable contributions, medical expenses, business expenses, etc.)
Last year's tax return (if applicable, for comparison and carryovers)
Having everything in front of you will minimize errors and the need to stop and search for information.
Sub-heading: Take Your Time and Double-Check
Tax preparation isn't a race. Go through each section carefully, reading the questions thoroughly. Double-check every number you enter. It's often helpful to have another person review your entries if possible.
Sub-heading: Utilize TurboTax's Help Resources
TurboTax offers extensive help resources:
Contextual Help: Look for "Learn More" links, "i" icons, or question marks next to fields. These provide explanations and guidance relevant to that specific entry.
Search Function: Use the search bar within TurboTax to find answers to specific questions.
TurboTax Support Community: If you're stuck, the online community is a vast resource where other users and experts provide solutions.
Sub-heading: Save Your Progress Frequently
Especially for desktop users, save your return often. For online users, TurboTax usually auto-saves, but it's still a good habit to ensure your progress is secured, especially after completing a significant section.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions you might have about starting over with TurboTax:
How to know if I've paid for TurboTax Online?
You can check your account details or review your email receipts from Intuit. If you haven't received a confirmation of payment, or haven't entered payment information, you likely haven't paid.
How to switch to a different TurboTax product after starting over?
When you use "Clear & Start Over" in TurboTax Online, you are essentially starting fresh and can choose a different product if needed. The information you entered will be gone, allowing you to select a new product tier.
How to find "Tax Tools" if it's not visible?
Sometimes, "Tax Tools" might be collapsed or hidden. Try looking at the very bottom of the left-hand navigation menu, or look for a small menu icon (often three horizontal lines or a small arrow) that might expand the options. Ensure you are within your tax return and not on the main account dashboard.
How to clear a prior year's return in TurboTax Online?
You generally cannot "clear" a prior year's filed return from your TurboTax Online account. If you need to amend a prior year's return, there's a separate process for that within TurboTax. If you simply want to remove it from your "My Tax Returns" list, you may be able to delete it if it was an "in-progress" return that was never filed, by finding a "trash can" icon next to it.
How to start over if I already filed but made a mistake?
If you've already filed (and it's been accepted by the IRS/state), you cannot "start over" for that tax year. Instead, you'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal). TurboTax provides guidance on how to amend a filed return.
How to start a new return without deleting the old one in TurboTax Desktop?
Simply go to the "File" menu and select "New Tax Return." This will open a blank return without affecting any previously saved files. You can save multiple returns on your computer.
How to recover a cleared return in TurboTax Online?
Unfortunately, once you confirm "Clear & Start Over," the data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered by you or TurboTax. This is why the confirmation step is so crucial.
How to avoid needing to start over in the future?
Gather all documents before beginning.
Take breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
Double-check information as you go.
Use the "What if I…?" tools or estimation features if you're unsure about a scenario.
How to get help from a live person if I'm stuck?
TurboTax offers various support options, including live chat, phone support, and TurboTax Live (where an expert reviews or even prepares your return). Look for "Help" or "Support" links within the software or on their website.
How to ensure my data transfers correctly if I want to re-import?
If you're starting fresh and plan to import data (like from a prior year's TurboTax file or financial institutions), make sure the source data is accurate. If you had issues with a previous import that led to starting over, manually verifying key figures after importing is a good practice.