Taxes can be daunting, and sometimes, so can the software you use to prepare them! Have you ever found yourself in the middle of your TurboTax return, only to realize you need to start over, or perhaps the application is misbehaving and needs a fresh start? It's a common scenario, and thankfully, restarting your TurboTax application is often a straightforward process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to restart your TurboTax application, whether you're using the online version or the desktop software. We'll cover various scenarios, from a simple close and reopen to a full "clear and start over," and even troubleshooting tips for when things don't go as planned.
Let's dive in!
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Version - Are You Online or Desktop?
Before we begin, it's crucial to know which version of TurboTax you're using. The steps to restart can differ significantly between the online and desktop applications.
TurboTax Online: This version is accessed through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari). You log in to your Intuit account to work on your taxes. Your data is stored securely on TurboTax's servers.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): This version is software you've installed directly onto your computer. You launch it from an icon on your desktop or through your Start menu. Your tax files are saved locally on your machine.
Once you know your version, proceed to the relevant section below.
Step 2: Restarting TurboTax Online
If you're using TurboTax Online, restarting usually means refreshing your browser, logging out and back in, or for a more drastic measure, clearing your entire return.
Sub-heading 2.1: Simple Refresh or Re-login
For minor glitches, a quick refresh or re-login often does the trick.
Close the Browser Tab/Window: The simplest way to "restart" TurboTax Online is to simply close the browser tab or window where TurboTax is open.
Reopen Your Browser: Open a fresh browser window.
Navigate to TurboTax: Go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Sign In: Log back into your Intuit account with your credentials. Your return should pick up right where you left off.
Sub-heading 2.2: Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes, corrupted browser data can cause issues. Clearing your cache and cookies can resolve these.
Access Browser Settings:
Chrome: Click the three vertical dots (More) in the top-right corner, then "More tools," then "Clear Browse data."
Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines (Menu) in the top-right, then "Settings," then "Privacy & Security," and find "Cookies and Site Data" or "Cached Web Content."
Edge: Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right, then "Settings," then "Privacy, search, and services," and find "Clear Browse data."
Safari: Go to "Safari" in the menu bar, then "Clear History," or "Preferences > Privacy > Manage Website Data."
Select Time Range and Data: Choose a time range (e.g., "All time" for a thorough clean) and ensure "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" are selected.
Clear Data: Click the "Clear data" or "Clear Now" button.
Restart Browser and Login: Close your browser completely, reopen it, and then log back into TurboTax.
Sub-heading 2.3: Clear & Start Over (For a Fresh Beginning)
This option is for when you want to erase everything and start your tax return from scratch. Be absolutely certain you want to do this, as all entered data will be lost. This option is only available if you haven't paid for the online edition, deducted the TurboTax fee from your refund, or registered your product.
Sign in to TurboTax Online: Log into your account and open or continue your return.
Locate "Tax Tools": On the left-hand menu, find and click on "Tax Tools". If you don't see it, you might need to click on the menu icon (often three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner to expand the menu.
Select "Clear & Start Over": From the "Tax Tools" dropdown, choose "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm Your Action: A pop-up will appear, asking you to confirm if you want to erase your return. Carefully read the warning and then answer "Yes" to proceed.
Choose Your Product: After clearing, you'll be prompted to select a TurboTax product to begin your new return.
Step 3: Restarting TurboTax Desktop Application
For the desktop version of TurboTax, restarting involves closing and reopening the application, and in some cases, rebooting your computer or even reinstalling the software.
Sub-heading 3.1: Standard Application Close and Reopen
This is your first and often most effective step for minor issues.
Save Your Return: Before closing, it's always a good idea to save your tax file. Go to "File" > "Save" or "Save As". Choose a memorable location on your computer.
Close TurboTax:
Click the "X" in the top-right corner of the TurboTax window.
Alternatively, go to "File" > "Exit" (on Windows) or "TurboTax" > "Quit TurboTax" (on Mac).
Wait Briefly: Give your computer a few seconds to fully close the application's processes.
Relaunch TurboTax: Double-click the TurboTax icon on your desktop or find it in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (Mac).
Open Your Saved File: Once TurboTax is open, go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and select the file you saved.
Sub-heading 3.2: Rebooting Your Computer
If a simple restart of the application doesn't resolve the issue, a full computer reboot can clear out any temporary system glitches or conflicts.
Save Your Return: As always, save your TurboTax file.
Close All Programs: Close TurboTax and any other open applications.
Restart Your Computer:
Windows: Click the "Start" button, then the "Power" icon, and choose "Restart."
Mac: Click the Apple menu in the top-left, then choose "Restart."
Relaunch TurboTax: After your computer restarts, open TurboTax and load your tax file.
Sub-heading 3.3: Starting a New Tax Return (Desktop)
If you want to completely discard your current work and start fresh without uninstalling the software, you can create a new tax return file. This is particularly useful if your existing file seems corrupted.
Save Your Current Return (Optional but Recommended): If there's any chance you might want to refer back to your current work, save it with a distinct name (e.g., "MyTaxes_OldAttempt.tax2024"). Go to "File" > "Save As".
Start a New Return:
Go to "File" in the top menu bar.
Select "New Tax Return."
TurboTax will prompt you to save any unsaved changes to your current return before creating a new one.
Begin Fresh: You'll now have a blank return to start from scratch.
Sub-heading 3.4: Manual Updates and Reinstallation (Troubleshooting)
If TurboTax Desktop is consistently crashing, not responding, or failing to launch correctly after restarts, more advanced troubleshooting might be needed.
Check for Updates: Ensure your TurboTax desktop software is fully updated.
Open TurboTax.
Go to "Online" > "Check for Updates" (or similar option, depending on your version).
Install any available updates and restart TurboTax.
Sometimes, manual updates are necessary. You can often find these on the TurboTax support website. Search for "Manually Update TurboTax for Windows Software" or "Manually Update TurboTax for Mac Software."
Disable Antivirus/Firewall (Temporarily): Occasionally, security software can interfere with TurboTax. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall, then try launching TurboTax. Remember to re-enable them immediately after testing.
Reinstall TurboTax: This is a more drastic step, but it can resolve issues caused by corrupted program files.
Backup Your Tax Files: Crucially, before uninstalling, ensure all your tax files (.tax files) are backed up to a safe location, such as an external drive or cloud storage. These are separate from the program itself.
Uninstall TurboTax:
Windows: Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features." Find TurboTax, right-click, and select "Uninstall." Follow the prompts.
Mac: Drag the TurboTax application from your "Applications" folder to the Trash, then empty the Trash.
Restart Your Computer: Perform a full system reboot after uninstalling.
Download/Install Fresh Copy: Download a fresh installation file from the official TurboTax website (if you purchased a download) or use your original CD/DVD. Install the software.
Restore Tax Files: Once reinstalled, open TurboTax and open your backed-up tax files.
Step 4: General Tips for Smooth Operation
Beyond restarting, here are some general best practices to keep your TurboTax experience smooth:
Ensure System Requirements: Always check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the TurboTax version you are using.
Close Other Applications: Before starting a complex tax session, close unnecessary programs to free up system resources.
Stable Internet Connection: For TurboTax Online, a stable and fast internet connection is vital.
Regular Saves (Desktop): If using the desktop version, save your work frequently to prevent data loss in case of an unexpected crash.
Keep Operating System Updated: Ensure your Windows or macOS is up-to-date with the latest patches and service packs.
Conclusion
Restarting your TurboTax application, whether online or desktop, is a common troubleshooting step that can resolve a variety of issues. By following these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to get your tax preparation back on track. Remember to identify your TurboTax version, apply the appropriate restart method, and always back up your data, especially for desktop versions! Happy filing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to further assist you:
How to know if I'm using TurboTax Online or Desktop? You're using TurboTax Online if you access it via a web browser and log in to an Intuit account. You're using TurboTax Desktop if you installed software on your computer and launch it from an icon.
How to save my TurboTax Desktop return before restarting?
In TurboTax Desktop, go to the "File" menu at the top, then select "Save" or "Save As." Choose a location on your computer to save your .tax file.
How to clear my data and start over in TurboTax Online? Log in to TurboTax Online, go to "Tax Tools" in the left menu, then select "Clear & Start Over." Confirm your decision when prompted. Note: This erases all data.
How to fix TurboTax Online not loading properly? Try clearing your browser's cache and cookies (browser history), then restart your browser and log back into TurboTax. You can also try a different web browser.
How to deal with TurboTax Desktop crashing on startup? First, try rebooting your entire computer. If that doesn't work, ensure your software is updated, temporarily disable your antivirus, or consider reinstalling TurboTax (after backing up your tax files).
How to create a new tax return file in TurboTax Desktop? Open TurboTax Desktop, go to the "File" menu, and select "New Tax Return." This will open a blank return without affecting your previously saved files.
How to update TurboTax Desktop software? Open your TurboTax Desktop application, go to the "Online" menu, and select "Check for Updates." Follow the on-screen prompts to install any available updates.
How to backup my TurboTax tax files?
Locate your .tax files (they typically end with the tax year, e.g., "MyTaxes2024.tax2024") in your Documents folder or where you saved them, and copy them to an external drive or cloud storage.
How to contact TurboTax support for persistent issues? Visit the official TurboTax support website (ttlc.intuit.com) and look for options to contact customer service via phone, chat, or community forums.
How to avoid losing data if TurboTax crashes? For TurboTax Online, your data is generally saved automatically. For TurboTax Desktop, frequently save your return (File > Save) to minimize data loss in case of a crash.