Ever felt that sinking feeling when you realize you need a copy of an old tax return, and you're not sure where to start, or worse, worried about hefty fees? Relax, you're not alone! Whether it's for a loan application, financial aid, or simply your own records, accessing past tax returns is a common need. And the good news is, if you used TurboTax, getting your old tax returns for free is often much simpler than you might think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you can retrieve your essential documents without spending a dime.
The Importance of Your Old Tax Returns
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's quickly touch upon why these documents are so important. Your tax returns are more than just a record of what you paid (or received) from the government. They contain crucial financial information that can be needed for:
Loan Applications: Mortgages, car loans, personal loans – lenders often require several years of tax returns to assess your income and financial stability.
Financial Aid: For students applying for federal or state financial aid, tax returns are a key component of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other forms.
Audits or Disputes: In the rare event of an IRS inquiry or audit, having your past returns readily available is absolutely essential.
Future Tax Filing: Your prior year's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is often required to verify your identity when e-filing your current year's taxes.
Personal Financial Planning: Tracking your income and deductions over time can help you make informed financial decisions.
Now, let's get you those returns!
Step 1: Identify How You Filed with TurboTax
This is the most crucial initial step because the method for retrieving your returns depends entirely on how you originally prepared and filed them. Did you use the online version, or did you purchase and install the desktop software (CD/download)?
Sub-heading: Did you use TurboTax Online?
This is the most common scenario for many users. If you accessed TurboTax through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and completed your taxes directly on their website, your returns are likely stored securely in your TurboTax account. This is generally the easiest way to retrieve them.
Sub-heading: Did you use TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download)?
If you bought a physical CD or downloaded the TurboTax software and installed it on your computer, then your tax return files are saved locally on that computer. TurboTax does not store copies of returns filed using the desktop software online. This means you'll need access to the specific computer (or a backup) where you completed those taxes.
Step 2: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax Online (The Easy Way!)
If you determined you used TurboTax Online, follow these steps to get your old returns for free. TurboTax typically stores returns for up to seven years.
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Account
Go to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax login page. You can usually find this by searching "TurboTax login" or directly going to
myturbotax.intuit.com.Sign In: Enter the User ID and Password you used when you originally filed your taxes for that specific year.
Important Note: Many people have multiple Intuit accounts, sometimes unknowingly. If you're having trouble logging in, try any other email addresses or usernames you might have used. TurboTax has tools for account recovery if you've forgotten your credentials. Look for options like "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password."
Account Verification (if prompted): For security purposes, TurboTax might ask you to verify your identity. This could involve receiving a code via email or text message to a registered phone number.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Documents
Access Your Tax Home: Once logged in, you should land on your "Tax Home" page. This is usually the default landing page.
Locate "Your Tax Returns & Documents": Scroll down the page. You'll typically find a section clearly labeled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar. Click on it.
Select the Desired Tax Year: A list of tax years for which you filed with TurboTax Online should appear. Click on the specific tax year for which you need the return.
Download Your PDF: Within the selected tax year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or similar wording.
Pro Tip: Often, there are options to download just the government forms or the full return with all TurboTax worksheets. For most purposes, downloading the complete PDF with all worksheets is best as it provides a comprehensive record.
Congratulations! You've successfully retrieved your old tax return from TurboTax Online for free. Be sure to save it to a secure location on your computer or cloud storage and consider printing a physical copy for your records.
Step 3: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Software
If you used the desktop version of TurboTax, the process is different as your files are stored locally.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Tax Data File
Locate the Computer: You'll need access to the computer on which you originally installed and used the TurboTax desktop software for that particular tax year.
Search for the
.taxFile: TurboTax desktop creates a specific file type for your tax return, usually ending with the extension.taxYEAR(e.g.,MyTaxes2023.tax2023).Default Save Locations:
Windows: By default, TurboTax files are often saved in a folder like
Documents\TurboTax\Year(e.g.,C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\TurboTax\2023).Mac: On a Mac, they might be in
Documents\TurboTaxor your user'sApplicationsfolder.
If you can't find it: Use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for
*.taxXXXX(replaceXXXXwith the tax year you're looking for, e.g.,*.tax2022).
Open the TurboTax Software: Launch the specific year's TurboTax desktop software on your computer. You'll need the exact year's software to open the corresponding tax file. If you don't have it installed, you might need to find your original CD or download the installer (though finding older installers for free might be challenging from Intuit directly if you no longer have access to your purchase records).
Load Your File: Once the software is open, use the "Open" or "Load Tax Return" option (usually under "File" in the menu bar) and navigate to the
.taxfile you located.
Sub-heading: Printing/Saving as PDF
Review Your Return: Once the file is open in the software, you can review it to ensure it's the correct return.
Print/Save as PDF: Look for the "Print" option (often a printer icon or found under the "File" menu). When the print dialog appears, choose the option to "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" instead of sending it to a physical printer. This will create a PDF copy of your return that you can save anywhere.
Alternatively, some versions of TurboTax Desktop might have a direct "Save as PDF" option within the software.
Important Consideration: If you no longer have the computer, the software, or the .tax file for a desktop-filed return, you will not be able to get it directly from TurboTax for free. In this case, you'll need to explore the IRS options mentioned in the next section. This highlights the critical importance of saving PDF copies of your returns every year!
Step 4: Alternative: Obtaining Tax Transcripts from the IRS (Free, but Different)
If you are unable to access your returns through TurboTax (e.g., you used an old desktop version and no longer have the file, or you can't remember your login for online), the IRS offers a free service to obtain tax transcripts. While not an exact copy of your filed return, transcripts provide key information from your return and can often serve the same purpose for lenders or other institutions.
Sub-heading: Understanding Tax Transcripts
The IRS offers several types of transcripts:
Tax Return Transcript: This shows most line items from your original Form 1040 (or 1040-SR) as you filed it, along with any forms and schedules. It does not show any changes made after you filed (e.g., IRS adjustments).
Tax Account Transcript: This shows basic data from your return, but also includes changes made by you or the IRS after you filed. It will show details like payments made, penalties, and interest.
Wage and Income Transcript: This displays information reported to the IRS by employers and other payers (like W-2s, 1099s, 1098s). This is useful if you need to re-create a lost return.
You can request transcripts for the current and past three tax years online, or for up to the past ten years by mail.
Sub-heading: Requesting Transcripts Online (Immediate Access)
Visit the IRS Get Transcript Online Tool: Go to the official IRS website and search for "Get Transcript" or directly visit
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.Choose "Get Transcript Online": Click on this option.
Verify Your Identity: This is a rigorous process. You'll need information like your Social Security Number, date of birth, filing status, and an email address. You'll also need a financial account number (like a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit (HELOC), or auto loan) and a mobile phone number associated with your name.
Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Once verified, you can choose the type of transcript (Tax Return Transcript is usually what you need) and the specific tax year.
Download and Print: You'll be able to view, download, and print your transcripts immediately.
Sub-heading: Requesting Transcripts by Mail (5 to 10 Business Days)
If you can't get transcripts online, you can request them by mail.
Visit the IRS Get Transcript Online Tool: Go to
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript.Choose "Get Transcript by Mail": Click on this option.
Enter Your Information: Provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, street address, and zip code. Note: The address must match the one on your last filed tax return.
Select Transcript Type and Tax Year: Choose the type of transcript and the tax year you need.
Submit Request: The transcript will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days.
Important: While transcripts are free, obtaining an actual copy of your tax return from the IRS (using Form 4506) typically incurs a fee. The fee is currently $30 per return, and it can take up to 60 days to process. For free options, stick with the TurboTax account or IRS transcripts.
Step 5: Saving and Organizing Your Retrieved Returns
Once you have your old tax returns (or transcripts), it's critical to save them securely and organize them for future access.
Sub-heading: Digital Storage Best Practices
Dedicated Folder: Create a clearly labeled folder on your computer for "Tax Returns" and then sub-folders for each year (e.g., "2023 Tax Return").
Cloud Storage: Upload copies to a secure cloud storage service (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, iCloud) for off-site backup. This protects against hard drive failure.
Password Protection: Consider password-protecting your PDF files for an extra layer of security, especially if storing them on shared drives.
External Hard Drive/USB: Keep an offline backup on an external hard drive or USB stick in a safe place.
Sub-heading: Physical Copies
Print and File: Print a physical copy of your important tax returns and keep them in a secure file cabinet or safe.
Shred Old Documents Safely: Once you have new copies, ensure any unneeded or old copies of sensitive tax documents are shredded to prevent identity theft.
Final Thoughts and Proactive Measures
Retrieving old tax returns can feel like a chore, but by following these steps, you can get them for free. The best practice, however, is prevention. Moving forward, make it a habit to:
Save PDFs Annually: Every year, as soon as you file your taxes with TurboTax (or any other software), download and save a PDF copy of your complete return in a well-organized digital folder.
Print Physical Copies: Print a copy for your physical records.
Keep Login Credentials Safe: Store your TurboTax (and IRS) login information in a secure password manager.
By being proactive, you'll save yourself time, stress, and potential fees down the line!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to obtaining old tax returns, with quick answers:
How to check if I have multiple TurboTax accounts?
You can use TurboTax's account recovery tools or try logging in with different email addresses or user IDs you might have used in the past. TurboTax support articles often link to a "many Intuit accounts" help page.
How to find my TurboTax Online User ID if I forgot it?
Go to the TurboTax login page and look for a "Forgot User ID" or "Account Recovery" link. You'll typically be prompted to enter your email address or phone number associated with the account.
How to recover a TurboTax desktop file if my computer crashed?
If you did not back up your .tax file to an external drive or cloud storage, and your computer hard drive is unrecoverable, you generally cannot recover the file from TurboTax. Your best option would be to obtain tax transcripts from the IRS.
How to get a tax return from more than 7 years ago from TurboTax?
TurboTax generally only stores online returns for up to seven years. For returns older than seven years, you will need to request a tax transcript or an actual copy of your return from the IRS.
How to know if I used TurboTax Online or Desktop?
If you accessed the software through a web browser and didn't install anything on your computer, you used TurboTax Online. If you bought a CD or downloaded an installer and ran it on your computer, you used the Desktop version.
How to get a copy of a state tax return from TurboTax?
State tax returns filed through TurboTax Online are typically available in the same section as your federal return within your TurboTax account (under "Your tax returns & documents"). For desktop versions, they are saved within the same .tax file as your federal return.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" tool at irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. You can get online transcripts immediately if you can verify your identity, or request them by mail to be sent within 5-10 business days.
How to get a full copy of my tax return from the IRS if transcripts aren't enough?
You'll need to file Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," with the IRS. There is a fee for this service (currently $30 per return), and it can take up to 60 days to process.
How to print a complete tax return with all worksheets from TurboTax Online?
After selecting the tax year in "Your tax returns & documents," look for an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" and specifically choose the option that includes "government and TurboTax worksheets" or the "full return."
How to keep my tax returns safe for future access?
Always save PDF copies of your filed returns to a dedicated folder on your computer and upload them to a secure cloud storage service. Consider printing a physical copy and storing it in a safe place.
