Feeling a bit overwhelmed with your tax return? Made a little oopsie on your state filing in TurboTax and now you want it gone? Don't worry, you're not alone! It's a common situation, and thankfully, TurboTax usually provides a way to rectify it. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of deleting a state return on TurboTax, step by step, so you can get back on track with your taxes.
Let's dive in and get that state return squared away!
Deleting a State Return on TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you started a state return by mistake, realized you don't need to file in that state, or simply want to restart, knowing how to delete it is a valuable skill. The process can vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop version, and most importantly, whether you've already paid for or filed your state return.
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Version and Filing Status
Before we proceed, let's clarify a crucial point. Are you using TurboTax Online or the Desktop (CD/Download) version? The steps will differ. Also, have you already paid for your state return, or even better, filed it? This is the single most important factor.
TurboTax Online: This is the web-based version you access through your browser.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): This is the software you installed on your computer.
The ability to delete a state return is primarily available before you've paid the state filing fee or e-filed the return. If you've already taken either of those actions, the options become more limited, and you might need to "start over" rather than "delete." We'll cover both scenarios.
Step 2: Deleting a State Return in TurboTax Online (Before Payment/Filing)
This is the ideal scenario for deletion. If you haven't paid or filed your state return yet, deleting it is quite straightforward.
Sub-step 2.1: Accessing Your Return
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account. Go to the TurboTax website and log in with your credentials.
Open or continue your return. On your Tax Home screen, you should see an option to "Continue your return" or "Pick up where you left off." Click on it.
Sub-step 2.2: Navigating to State Taxes
Locate "State Taxes" in the menu. On the left-hand navigation menu (or sometimes at the top of the screen), you'll see an option like "State Taxes," "State," or "State Info." Click on it. If you don't see the full menu, look for a menu icon (often three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner to expand it.
Proceed to "Status of your state returns." After clicking "State Taxes," you might see a screen titled "Let's get your state taxes done right" or similar. Click "Continue" until you reach a screen that lists your state returns. This screen is typically called "Status of your state returns."
Sub-step 2.3: Deleting the Unwanted State
Find the "Trashcan" icon or "Delete" link. On the "Status of your state returns" screen, next to the state return you wish to delete, you should see a small trashcan icon or a direct "Delete" link.
Confirm the deletion. Click on the trashcan icon or the "Delete" link. TurboTax will likely ask you to confirm that you want to delete the state return. Carefully read the confirmation message to understand what you're deleting. Select "Yes" or "Delete" to confirm.
Voila! Your state return should now be removed.
Step 3: Dealing with a Paid or Filed State Return in TurboTax Online
If you've already paid for your state return, or even worse, successfully e-filed it, you generally cannot simply "delete" it in the same way. However, you have other options.
Sub-step 3.1: "Start Over" Option (If Paid, Not Filed)
If you've paid for the state return but haven't yet e-filed it, TurboTax Online often provides a "Start Over" option.
Follow Sub-step 2.1 and 2.2 to navigate to the "Status of your state returns" screen.
Look for "Start Over." Instead of a "Delete" option, you might see a "Start Over" link next to your state return.
Understand the implication. Clicking "Start Over" will clear all the information you've entered for that specific state return, allowing you to begin fresh. It doesn't typically refund the payment you made, as the payment is for the ability to prepare the return, not necessarily for a completed filing.
Sub-step 3.2: Amending Your Return (If Filed)
If you've already filed your state tax return, whether e-filed or mailed, you cannot simply delete it. It's now officially submitted to the state tax agency. In this scenario, if you've made a mistake or need to make changes, you'll need to amend your state tax return.
Address your Federal Return first (if applicable). Often, state tax returns are tied to your federal return. If the error originated in your federal return, you'll need to amend your federal return first (using Form 1040-X).
Initiate an amended state return. Once your federal return is amended (if necessary), or if the error was solely on the state level, you'll need to find the option to amend your state return within TurboTax.
Go to your filed return in TurboTax.
Look for an option like "Amend a return" or "Make changes to a filed return."
TurboTax will guide you through the process of generating the necessary amended state forms (which often have an "X" suffix, e.g., Form 1040-X for federal, or a specific state amended form).
File the amended return. Most states require amended returns to be mailed in, even if the original was e-filed. Carefully follow TurboTax's instructions for printing and mailing your amended state return.
Note: Amending a return can be a bit more complex, and it's crucial to ensure all changes are accurate and submitted correctly.
Step 4: Deleting a State Return in TurboTax Desktop (Before Payment/Filing)
For users of the CD/Download version, the process is slightly different.
Sub-step 4.1: Open Your Return in Desktop Software
Launch TurboTax Desktop. Open the TurboTax software on your computer.
Open your tax file. Load the tax file (.tax file) for the year you are working on.
Sub-step 4.2: Using the "File" Menu
Navigate to the "File" menu. In the top menu bar of the TurboTax Desktop software, click on "File."
Select "Remove State Return." From the dropdown menu, you should see an option like "Remove State Return" or "Remove a State." Click on this.
Sub-step 4.3: Choosing and Confirming
Select the state to remove. A window will pop up listing the state returns you have started. Select the state you wish to delete.
Confirm deletion. You will be prompted to confirm the deletion. Click "Yes" or "OK" to remove the state return.
This will remove all data associated with that specific state return.
Step 5: Troubleshooting and Important Considerations
No "Delete" or "Remove" Option? If you don't see the delete or remove option, it's highly likely you've either paid for the state return or have already filed it. Refer to Step 3 for guidance.
"Clear and Start Over" (for entire return): If you've made a complete mess and want to wipe out everything and start your entire federal and state return from scratch in TurboTax Online, there's often a "Clear and Start Over" option under "Tax Tools" > "Clear & Start Over." Be extremely cautious with this option, as it will erase all your entered data for both federal and state returns.
State Program vs. State Return Data (Desktop): In the Desktop version, "removing a state return" deletes the data you've entered for that state. It does not uninstall the state program itself from your computer. You can still add the state back later if needed without re-downloading the program.
Customer Support: If you're completely stuck or unsure, don't hesitate to contact TurboTax customer support. They can often provide specific guidance for your situation. Be prepared with your account information and a clear explanation of what you're trying to do.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to managing state returns in TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to Check if My State Return is Filed?
You can check the status of your e-filed state return by logging into your TurboTax account and going to the "File" section or checking your e-file status within the program. For mailed returns, you won't have an online status.
How to Add a State Return After Deleting It?
If you deleted a state return but now realize you need it, simply go back to the "State Taxes" section in TurboTax (Online) or the "State" tab (Desktop) and select the option to "Add a State." You'll then re-enter the necessary information.
How to Avoid Paying for a State Return if I Don't Need It?
Ensure you haven't proceeded to the payment or filing steps for the state return you don't need. Delete it as described in Step 2 or Step 4 before you reach the payment screen.
How to Change My State of Residence in TurboTax?
To change your state of residence, you'll typically need to go back to the "Personal Info" section of your federal return in TurboTax and update your address information. This change will then flow through to the state section.
How to File a Non-Resident State Return in TurboTax?
TurboTax guides you through filing non-resident state returns. You'll usually indicate that you had income from a specific state where you are a non-resident, and TurboTax will help you allocate income correctly to that state.
How to Remove State Forms Without Deleting the Entire State Return (Desktop)?
In TurboTax Desktop, you can go to "Forms" mode, then navigate to "Delete a Form" under the "Tax Tools" or "Tools" menu. You can then individually delete specific state forms. However, be cautious as this can lead to errors if forms are interdependent. It's often safer to delete the whole state return and start over if you need a major reset.
How to Get a Refund for a Paid State Return I Don't Need?
Generally, TurboTax fees for state returns are non-refundable once paid. The payment grants you access to prepare the return. If you paid but didn't file, you usually won't get a refund. It's best to confirm with TurboTax customer support directly.
How to Amend a State Return After Filing?
Log in to your TurboTax account, open the filed return, and look for an option to "Amend return" or "Make changes to a filed return." TurboTax will walk you through the process of creating and filing an amended state return, often requiring paper filing.
How to Clear My Entire TurboTax Account and Start Over?
In TurboTax Online, if you want to completely erase your entire progress (both federal and all states) and start fresh, go to "Tax Tools" on the left menu, then select "Clear & Start Over." Use this option with extreme caution as it deletes all your entered data.
How to Contact TurboTax Customer Support for State Return Issues?
You can find TurboTax customer support contact information on their official website (turbotax.intuit.com) under the "Support" or "Help" section. They offer phone and chat support, especially during tax season.