So, you're looking to close your TurboTax account? That's a decision many users ponder, whether they're switching tax software, simplifying their digital footprint, or just want to tidy things up. Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify something crucial right off the bat:
Can you truly "close" or "delete" a TurboTax account in the same way you might deactivate a social media profile?
The answer, as you'll discover, is often more nuanced than a simple click of a "delete account" button. TurboTax, being an Intuit product that deals with sensitive financial data, has specific policies in place, primarily driven by IRS regulations. They are legally required to retain copies of filed tax returns for a certain period. This means that if you've ever paid for a TurboTax product or successfully filed a return through their platform, a complete deletion of your account in the traditional sense is generally not an option.
However, don't despair! You can take significant steps to manage your data, remove personal information (where possible), and essentially "abandon" or "deactivate" your account so it's no longer actively used. This lengthy guide will walk you through these processes step-by-step.
The Nuance of "Closing" Your TurboTax Account
It's important to understand what "closing" your TurboTax account actually entails. TurboTax, as part of Intuit, has a data retention policy that aligns with tax regulations. This means:
If you've filed a tax return through TurboTax: Intuit is generally required to keep records of your tax returns for a period, typically seven years, to comply with IRS and state tax authority requirements. This is similar to how a traditional tax preparer would keep your physical files.
If you haven't filed a return or only started one: You have more flexibility in clearing out your data and effectively "abandoning" the account.
Therefore, while you might not achieve a "delete account forever" button press, you can remove personal data from active use, prevent future communications, and ensure your information is as secure as possible.
Step 1: Understand Your Goal – Why Are You Closing It?
Hold on a second! Before we even touch a button, ask yourself: why are you looking to close your TurboTax account? Is it because:
You're done with taxes for the year and want to tidy up?
You're switching to different tax software?
You're concerned about data privacy?
You have multiple TurboTax accounts and want to consolidate?
You started a return but didn't finish it, and want to erase the data?
Your reason will dictate the best approach. Knowing your objective will help you navigate the process effectively and ensure you achieve what you set out to do.
Step 2: Download and Secure Your Past Tax Returns
This is perhaps the most critical step before attempting any form of account management or "closure." Even if you never intend to use TurboTax again, having copies of your past tax returns is absolutely essential for your personal records, future reference, and potential IRS audits.
Sub-heading: Why This Step is Non-Negotiable
The IRS generally has a three-year statute of limitations for audits, but this can extend to six years in cases of substantial underreported income, or even indefinitely in cases of fraud. While TurboTax might retain records for seven years, it's always best practice to have your own secure copies. You don't want to be caught off guard if their access policies change or if you lose access to your account for any reason.
Sub-heading: How to Download Your Returns
Log In to Your TurboTax Account: Go to the official TurboTax website and sign in with your User ID and password.
Navigate to Your Tax Returns:
Once logged in, look for a section like "Tax Home," "My TurboTax," "My Returns," or "Documents." The exact phrasing might vary slightly depending on the year and version you used.
You should see a list of your filed tax returns for previous years.
Select the Year and Download:
For each year you filed with TurboTax, select the respective tax year.
Look for an option to "Download PDF," "Print/Save," or similar. This will download a PDF copy of your complete tax return, including all forms and schedules.
Important: Do this for all years you have returns stored on the platform. TurboTax generally keeps returns for the past seven years.
Save Securely:
Save these PDF files to a secure location on your computer. Consider backing them up to an external hard drive, a secure cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive with strong security settings), or even printing physical copies for a fireproof safe.
Name them clearly (e.g., "2023 Tax Return - John Doe.pdf").
Step 3: Clear and Start Over (If Applicable)
If you started a tax return but did not file it or pay for it, you have the option to clear out all the data you entered for that specific tax year. This effectively resets your current working return, making it as if you never started.
Sub-heading: When to Use "Clear & Start Over"
This option is ideal if:
You were just exploring TurboTax and entered some dummy data.
You began a return, but then decided to use a different method or tax preparer.
You want to erase all data for the current tax year without affecting previous filed returns.
Sub-heading: Steps to "Clear & Start Over"
Log In to Your TurboTax Account: Sign in to the TurboTax online account that has the incomplete return.
Access "Tax Tools" or "Tools": On the left-hand navigation menu (or sometimes at the top), locate and click on "Tax Tools" or simply "Tools."
Select "Clear & Start Over": From the dropdown menu that appears, you should see an option like "Clear & Start Over" or "Delete a Form." Choose "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm the Action: TurboTax will likely ask you to confirm that you want to delete all data for the current return. Read the warning carefully and proceed if you are sure.
Note: If you have already paid for the product or registered a "cost-free" version by going through certain steps, this option might not be available, or it might have limitations.
Step 4: Request Data Deletion via Intuit Account Manager
Since TurboTax is an Intuit product, managing your data and requesting deletion often goes through the centralized Intuit Account Manager. This is the closest you'll get to a "delete my account" feature for the data within your account, though it won't necessarily erase the account itself from Intuit's systems, especially if you've filed returns.
Sub-heading: Accessing Intuit Account Manager
Sign In: Go to the Intuit Account Manager (you can usually find a direct link by searching "Intuit Account Manager" or through your TurboTax account settings). Sign in using your TurboTax credentials.
Navigate to Data & Privacy: On the left-hand menu, look for a section titled "Data & Privacy" or similar. Click on it.
Initiate a Delete Request:
Within the Data & Privacy section, you should find an option related to "Delete your Intuit data" or simply "Delete."
Click on "Make a delete request" or "Continue" next to the delete option.
Select Data to Delete: You'll likely be presented with options to select which product data you want to delete (e.g., TurboTax, QuickBooks Self-Employed, etc.). Carefully select TurboTax.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The process will guide you through further steps, which may include:
Verification: You might need to verify your identity via email or phone.
Confirmation: Confirming that you understand the implications of deleting your data (e.g., you won't be able to access it through TurboTax anymore).
Reason: Some platforms ask for a reason for deletion, which is optional.
Sub-heading: What Data Does This Delete?
This process primarily aims to delete the data associated with your account within the TurboTax application and any shared services. This includes personal information you entered, calculations, and potentially unfiled returns. However, as mentioned, it will likely not delete the actual records of your filed tax returns due to legal retention requirements. You also may not be able to sign in using that user ID and password to Intuit services afterwards if you select full deletion.
Step 5: Contact TurboTax Customer Support (If Necessary)
If you encounter issues, can't find the options mentioned above, or have specific concerns about your account or data, contacting TurboTax customer support directly is your next best step.
Sub-heading: When to Reach Out to Support
You want clarification on what data is retained and for how long.
You're having trouble accessing your account or the data deletion options.
You have a unique situation that isn't covered by the general steps.
You wish to inquire about "deactivating" your account more formally, understanding that true deletion of filed returns isn't possible.
Sub-heading: How to Contact Them
Visit the TurboTax Support Page: Go to the official TurboTax support website.
Look for Contact Options: Search for "Contact Us," "Support," or a "Community" forum that offers phone or chat support.
Prepare Your Information: Have your TurboTax User ID, email address associated with the account, and any relevant details about your inquiry ready.
Be Specific About Your Request: Clearly state that you are trying to "close" or "deactivate" your account and understand the limitations regarding filed returns. Ask what steps can be taken to minimize your data footprint and cease communications.
Step 6: Unsubscribe from TurboTax Emails and Communications
Even if your account can't be fully "deleted," you can often stop receiving marketing emails and other communications from TurboTax.
Sub-heading: Managing Email Preferences
Check Your Email Inbox: Open a recent email from TurboTax.
Locate "Unsubscribe" Link: Scroll to the very bottom of the email. You should find a small link that says "Unsubscribe" or "Manage Email Preferences."
Follow Instructions: Click the link and follow the on-screen prompts to unsubscribe from all marketing communications. You might be able to choose specific types of emails to unsubscribe from.
Sub-heading: Important Note on Transactional Emails
Even after unsubscribing from marketing emails, you might still receive "transactional" emails related to your account (e.g., security alerts, important updates, or confirmations if you interact with the service). These are typically unavoidable for active accounts and are considered essential for service operation.
Step 7: Remove Saved Payment Information (If Applicable)
If you've saved credit card details or bank account information with TurboTax for future purchases, it's a good idea to remove this data.
Sub-heading: How to Remove Payment Details
Log In to Your TurboTax Account: Access your account settings.
Find Payment or Billing Information: Look for sections like "Billing," "Payment Methods," or "Account Settings."
Delete Saved Information: If your payment details are stored, you should see an option to "Delete" or "Remove" them.
Step 8: Consider Changing Account Information (Optional)
If you want an extra layer of "anonymization" for an account you can't fully delete, you could consider changing some non-critical information.
Sub-heading: What Information to Change
Email Address: Change it to a generic, non-personal email address (e.g., a new email specifically for abandoned accounts).
Phone Number: If a phone number is listed, consider removing it or changing it if possible.
Physical Address: If you're no longer at the address, update it to a non-identifying one if the system allows (though generally, a valid address is required for tax purposes).
Sub-heading: Why This is Optional
This step is primarily for peace of mind. It doesn't delete your past tax returns, but it can make the active account less tied to your current, personal contact details. Be aware: Changing essential contact information might impact your ability to recover the account later if needed.
Step 9: Disconnect Financial Accounts (If Linked)
If you linked any bank accounts or other financial institutions for data import purposes, you'll want to disconnect these.
Sub-heading: Steps to Disconnect Accounts
Log In to TurboTax: Go to your account.
Look for Linked Accounts/Documents: This might be under "Tax Tools," "Documents," or "Account Settings."
Manage or Disconnect: Find the option to manage or disconnect linked financial institutions.
Step 10: Desktop Software Considerations
If you used TurboTax Desktop software (CD/Download), closing the online account is a separate process from uninstalling the software from your computer.
Sub-heading: Uninstalling Desktop Software
For Windows:
Go to "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features."
Find TurboTax in the list, right-click, and select "Uninstall."
Follow the on-screen prompts.
For Mac:
Open "Finder."
Go to "Applications."
Drag the TurboTax application icon to the "Trash" (or right-click and select "Move to Trash").
Empty your Trash.
Sub-heading: Deleting Local Tax Files
Remember that uninstalling the software does not delete your tax files saved on your computer. You will need to manually locate and delete these files if you no longer want them stored locally. They typically have a .tax file extension (e.g., MyTaxReturn2023.tax2023). Ensure you have downloaded PDF copies before deleting these original .tax files.
Final Thoughts on "Closing" Your TurboTax Account
While a definitive "delete button" for a fully utilized TurboTax account is largely unavailable due to legal requirements, following these steps will effectively:
Secure your past tax records.
Remove active personal data from unfiled returns.
Stop unwanted communications.
Minimize your digital footprint with the service.
Think of it more as "managing your presence" on the platform rather than a complete erasure. Your tax history is important, and TurboTax (Intuit) is mandated to keep it for a certain period.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some quick answers to common "How to" questions related to managing your TurboTax account:
1. How to download a past tax return from TurboTax?
Log in, go to "Tax Home" or "My Returns," select the year, and look for a "Download PDF" or "Print/Save" option.
2. How to delete an unfiled tax return in TurboTax?
If you haven't paid or filed, log in, go to "Tax Tools" (or "Tools"), then select "Clear & Start Over."
3. How to stop receiving emails from TurboTax?
Open a TurboTax email, scroll to the bottom, and click the "Unsubscribe" or "Manage Email Preferences" link.
4. How to remove saved payment information from TurboTax?
Log in to your account, navigate to "Billing" or "Payment Methods" in your account settings, and delete any saved card or bank details.
5. How to change the email address associated with my TurboTax account?
Log in to your Intuit Account Manager, go to "Account Settings" or "Profile," and you should find an option to update your email address.
6. How to unlink financial accounts from TurboTax?
Within your TurboTax account, look for "Linked Accounts" or "Documents" under "Tax Tools" and manage or disconnect the linked institutions.
7. How to ensure my data is private after "closing" my account?
While filed returns are retained, use the Intuit Account Manager's "Data & Privacy" section to request data deletion for non-filed information. Always secure your own downloaded copies of returns.
8. How to find my TurboTax User ID if I forgot it?
On the TurboTax login page, look for a "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" link. You'll typically need your email address to recover it.
9. How to uninstall TurboTax desktop software from my computer?
On Windows, use "Control Panel" > "Programs" > "Programs and Features." On Mac, drag the application from "Applications" to the Trash.
10. How to get a refund for a TurboTax purchase if I decided not to file?
TurboTax has specific refund policies. You generally need to contact their customer support within a certain timeframe (e.g., 60 days of purchase) if you haven't filed or registered.
