It's tax season (or maybe you're catching up on old returns!), and the thought of filing multiple tax returns can feel like navigating a complicated maze. But fear not! TurboTax, with its user-friendly interface, can simplify this process significantly. Whether you're filing for multiple family members, needing to amend a previous year's return, or catching up on unfiled years, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step.
Ready to tackle those tax returns with confidence? Let's get started!
Step 1: Understand Your "Multiple Returns" Scenario
Before diving into TurboTax, it's crucial to understand why you're filing multiple returns. This will determine the best approach. Are you:
Filing for Different Individuals? (e.g., your own, your spouse's if filing separately, your children's, or other family members').
Amending a Previously Filed Return? (You made a mistake or received new information for a past tax year).
Filing for Multiple Past Years? (You missed filing for one or more previous tax years).
Each of these scenarios has a slightly different process in TurboTax.
Sub-heading: TurboTax Online vs. Desktop Software – A Key Distinction
This is a critical point! The method for filing multiple returns differs significantly between TurboTax Online and the Desktop (CD/Download) software.
TurboTax Online: Generally, one online account is for one tax return per year. If you need to file for another individual or a different tax year, you'll typically need to create a new TurboTax online account (though you can often use the same email address for multiple accounts, usually up to five). Each return will incur a separate fee.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): This version is often more cost-effective for multiple returns. You can install it on your computer and generally prepare and e-file up to five federal returns (and accompanying state returns) from a single purchase. You can also print and mail an unlimited number of returns.
For this guide, we'll primarily focus on how to manage these scenarios within TurboTax, highlighting the differences between online and desktop where applicable.
Step 2: Preparing for Multiple Returns – Gather Your Documents!
Regardless of the "multiple" scenario, preparation is key. This will save you immense time and potential headaches.
Sub-heading: Essential Documents for Each Return
For each return you plan to file, ensure you have the following organized:
Personal Information:
Full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Date of birth
Current address
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow(er))
Information for any dependents (name, SSN, date of birth, relationship)
Income Documents:
W-2s (for wages, salaries)
1099-NEC (for non-employee compensation, freelancers)
1099-MISC (for miscellaneous income)
1099-INT (for interest income)
1099-DIV (for dividend income)
1099-B (for stock or other security sales)
K-1s (from partnerships, S corporations, trusts)
Social Security benefits statements (SSA-1099)
Unemployment compensation (1099-G)
Alimony received
Deduction and Credit Documents:
1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement)
Property tax statements
Student loan interest (1098-E)
Tuition statements (1098-T)
Medical expense records
Charitable contribution receipts
Childcare expenses
Retirement contributions (IRA, 401k)
Self-employment expenses (if applicable)
Previous Year's Tax Return (especially for amending or prior years): This is vital for comparison and accuracy.
Sub-heading: Organize, Organize, Organize!
Create separate folders (physical or digital) for each individual and/or each tax year you're filing for. Label them clearly. This meticulous organization will make the TurboTax input process much smoother.
Step 3: Filing Multiple Returns for Different Individuals (Using TurboTax Desktop)
If you've opted for the TurboTax Desktop software, this is the most straightforward way to handle multiple returns for different people.
Sub-heading: Starting a New Return
Launch TurboTax: Open the TurboTax Desktop software on your computer.
"File" Menu Option: Look for the "File" menu at the top of the application window.
"Start a New Return" / "New Tax Return": Click on this option. This will open a fresh, blank return within the software.
Enter Information for the First Individual: Proceed to enter all the necessary personal, income, deduction, and credit information for the first individual's tax return.
Save Each Return Separately: This is absolutely critical! When you save the return, use a clear and distinct file name, such as "JohnDoe2024.tax2024" or "JaneSmith2024.tax2024." This prevents overwriting and confusion.
Repeat for Each Individual: After saving the first return, go back to the "File" menu and select "Start a New Return" again for the next individual. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all individuals' returns are prepared and saved.
Sub-heading: E-filing Multiple Returns with Desktop
E-file Limit: Remember, TurboTax Desktop typically allows you to e-file up to five federal returns for a single purchase.
State E-file Fees: While federal e-filing is often included, state e-filing usually incurs an additional fee per state return. You can always choose to print and mail state returns to avoid this fee.
Process for Each: When you're ready to file, go through the e-filing process for each individual return separately within the software. You'll typically click on the "File" or "E-file" tab for the currently open return and follow the prompts.
Step 4: Filing Multiple Returns for Different Individuals (Using TurboTax Online)
As mentioned, TurboTax Online requires a separate account for each distinct tax return you file (unless it's a joint return for spouses).
Sub-heading: Creating New Accounts
Log Out: After completing and filing (or saving) the first individual's return, you must log out of that TurboTax Online account.
Create a New Account: Go to the TurboTax website and select "Create an Account" or "Sign Up."
Use a Different User ID: While you can often use the same email address for multiple TurboTax accounts (up to five), you must use a unique User ID for each new account you create.
Repeat the Filing Process: Log into the new account and begin the tax preparation process from scratch for the next individual.
Separate Payments: Each online return will require its own separate payment, even if you use the same credit card.
Sub-heading: Managing Multiple Online Accounts
Browser Tabs: Avoid having multiple TurboTax Online accounts open in different browser tabs simultaneously, as this can lead to data confusion or errors.
Bookmark Logins: If you're managing several accounts, consider bookmarking the login page and keeping track of each User ID and password in a secure, organized manner.
Step 5: Amending a Previously Filed Return (Form 1040-X)
Mistakes happen, or new information comes to light. TurboTax makes amending a return relatively straightforward.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Filed Return
For TurboTax Online: Log in to the specific TurboTax account that was used to file the original return. On your main "Tax Home" or "My TurboTax" dashboard, look for an option to "Amend (year) Return" or similar.
For TurboTax Desktop: Open the saved tax file (.taxYYYY) for the year you need to amend. Once open, look for a menu option (often under "Federal Taxes" or "Tools") that says "Amend a Filed Return" or "Amend My Return."
Sub-heading: The Amendment Process
TurboTax Guides You: Once you initiate the amendment, TurboTax will generally switch to an "amendment mode." It will guide you through the process, asking what you need to change.
Enter Corrections: You'll typically enter the corrected information (e.g., additional income, a missed deduction). TurboTax will then calculate the changes and populate Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).
Explanation Required: Form 1040-X requires a brief explanation for why you're amending the return. TurboTax will prompt you for this. Be clear and concise (e.g., "Received corrected W-2," "Forgot to include charitable contributions").
Review and File: Carefully review the amended return.
E-filing Amendments: The IRS does allow e-filing of Form 1040-X for the current tax year and generally the two prior tax years, provided your original return was also e-filed. TurboTax will facilitate this if eligible.
Mailing Amendments: For older tax years, or if your original return was paper-filed, you will need to print and mail Form 1040-X (and any supporting forms) to the IRS. TurboTax will provide the correct mailing address.
State Amendments: If your federal return changes, your state return likely needs to be amended as well. TurboTax will usually prompt you to amend your state return if applicable. State amended forms often have an "X" suffix (e.g., Form 540-X for California).
Step 6: Filing for Multiple Past Years (Delinquent Returns)
If you're catching up on several years of unfiled taxes, TurboTax Desktop is generally the most economical choice, as you can purchase prior-year versions of the software.
Sub-heading: Acquiring Prior-Year TurboTax Software
Purchase Prior Years: You'll need the specific TurboTax software version for each tax year you need to file. For example, to file your 2022 taxes in 2025, you'll need TurboTax 2022. You can often purchase these directly from the TurboTax website or from major retailers (digital downloads are common).
Install Each Version: Install each year's software onto your computer.
Sub-heading: Filing Process for Each Past Year
Open the Correct Year's Software: Launch the TurboTax software for the earliest tax year you need to file first.
Prepare and Save: Prepare the return for that year as you normally would, entering all relevant income and deduction information for that specific period. Save the return with a clear file name (e.g., "MyName2022.tax2022").
Print and Mail: Generally, you cannot e-file returns for tax years significantly prior to the current filing season. For example, in 2025, you might only be able to e-file 2023 and 2024 returns. Therefore, you will almost certainly need to print and mail all past-due returns. TurboTax will generate the correct forms and provide mailing instructions.
Repeat for Subsequent Years: Close the software for the completed year, then open the software for the next past year you need to file. Repeat the preparation, saving, and printing/mailing process.
Address Penalties and Interest: Be aware that filing late may incur penalties and interest from the IRS. TurboTax will calculate your tax liability, but it typically won't calculate exact penalties and interest until the IRS processes your return.
Step 7: Final Checks and Record Keeping
No matter how many returns you're filing or for what reason, these steps are crucial.
Sub-heading: Double-Check Everything!
Review all information meticulously: Go through each return line by line. Are all names, SSNs, dates of birth, and addresses correct? Is all income reported? Are all eligible deductions and credits claimed?
Compare to Source Documents: Cross-reference every entry with your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and other source documents.
Utilize TurboTax's Review Feature: TurboTax has built-in review processes. Don't skip these! They often catch errors or suggest missed opportunities.
Sub-heading: Save and Store Copies
Digital Copies: Save PDF copies of each filed return (federal and state) to a secure location on your computer or cloud storage. Label them clearly (e.g., "JohnDoe2024_Filed.pdf").
Physical Copies: For mailed returns, always print and keep a physical copy for your records. Consider a dedicated tax folder for each year.
Supporting Documentation: Keep all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.) for at least three years from the date you filed your return, or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Some tax situations require longer retention periods.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common "How to" questions related to filing multiple tax returns with TurboTax:
How to know if I need to file multiple tax returns?
You need to file multiple tax returns if you're preparing taxes for different individuals (e.g., yourself and a parent) or if you're filing for different tax years (e.g., 2022, 2023, and 2024).
How to decide between TurboTax Online and Desktop for multiple returns?
Choose TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) if you plan to file for multiple individuals in the same tax year, as it's typically more cost-effective (allowing up to 5 e-files). Choose TurboTax Online if you're only filing for yourself or if each person prefers their own separate online account for individual filing.
How to transfer data from a previous year's TurboTax return when filing for multiple years?
With TurboTax Desktop, you can usually open the prior year's data file (.taxYYYY) and use it as a starting point for the new year's return, transferring relevant information. TurboTax Online may offer similar import features if you used it in previous years for the same account.
How to e-file more than five federal returns with TurboTax Desktop?
You can only e-file up to five federal returns per TurboTax Desktop software purchase. For any additional returns beyond five, you will need to print and mail them to the IRS.
How to pay for multiple tax returns on TurboTax Online?
Each return filed through TurboTax Online is a separate transaction and will require individual payment for the product and any state filing fees.
How to correct a mistake on a return I already filed using TurboTax?
Log in to the TurboTax account you used to file the original return (or open the saved desktop file), and look for an "Amend" option for that tax year. TurboTax will guide you through filing Form 1040-X.
How to find the correct mailing address for an amended or past-due tax return?
TurboTax will provide the correct mailing address for your specific form (1040-X or prior-year 1040) and your location when you go through the print-and-mail process. You can also find this information on the IRS website.
How to handle state tax returns when filing multiple federal returns?
Each federal return typically has a corresponding state return. TurboTax Desktop usually allows you to prepare state returns for the same state as your federal return. If you're filing for individuals in different states, you may need to purchase additional state software for the desktop version or create separate online accounts for each state.
How to avoid penalties for filing past-due tax returns?
While TurboTax helps you prepare the returns, it doesn't automatically waive penalties. The best way to avoid penalties is to file as soon as possible. If you have a reasonable cause for late filing, you can sometimes request penalty abatement from the IRS.
How to get help from a TurboTax expert when filing multiple returns?
TurboTax offers "Live" options that provide access to tax experts. You can choose Live Assisted for help as you go, or Live Full Service to have an expert prepare your return for you. This applies to each individual return you are working on.
