We all know that feeling, right? Tax season rolls around, and suddenly you need that elusive tax return from last year. Maybe you're applying for a loan, filling out financial aid forms, or simply need it for reference while preparing your current year's taxes. Whatever the reason, finding that document can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! If you used TurboTax, whether online or the desktop version, you're in luck. This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to easily locate and retrieve your past year's tax return.
Navigating the Maze: Finding Your Last Year's Tax Return on TurboTax
The process largely depends on how you filed your taxes with TurboTax. Did you use their convenient online platform, or did you opt for the good old desktop software? Let's break it down.
Step 1: Identify Your Filing Method – Online vs. Desktop
First things first, think back to how you filed last year. This is the most crucial step, as it dictates where your tax return is stored and how you'll access it.
Did you use TurboTax Online? This means you accessed TurboTax through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and completed your taxes entirely on their website. If so, your returns are safely stored in your online account.
Did you use the TurboTax CD/Download software? This means you purchased and installed the TurboTax software directly onto your computer. In this case, your tax files are stored locally on your machine, not online.
Once you've identified your filing method, proceed to the relevant section below.
For TurboTax Online Users: Accessing Your Returns from the Cloud
If you used TurboTax Online, retrieving your past return is usually a breeze, as TurboTax automatically saves PDF copies of your returns for up to seven years.
Step 2: Logging into Your TurboTax Online Account
This might sound obvious, but it's a critical first move.
2.1 Head to the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and go to
TurboTax.com(orTurboTax.caif you're in Canada).2.2 Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Click it.
2.3 Enter Your Credentials: You'll be prompted to enter your User ID and Password. It's crucial to use the same User ID you used when you filed your taxes for the year you're trying to access. If you have multiple Intuit accounts (e.g., for QuickBooks or Mint), make sure you're logging into the correct one associated with your TurboTax filings.
Forgotten your User ID or password? Don't panic! There are "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links available on the sign-in page. Follow the prompts to recover your credentials. This usually involves verifying your identity through email or phone.
Step 3: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you're successfully logged in, you'll land on your TurboTax "Tax Home" page.
3.1 Scroll Down: On the Tax Home page, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar.
3.2 Select the Desired Tax Year: Within this section, you'll typically see a list or a drop-down menu of the tax years you've filed with TurboTax. Select the specific year for which you need the return (e.g., "2023" for last year's return if it's currently 2024 tax season).
3.3 Download Your Return: After selecting the year, you'll usually see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)". Click on this. TurboTax will then generate a PDF copy of your complete tax return, including all forms and schedules, and download it to your computer.
Pro Tip: You might also see an option to "Download .tax file." This is the data file for the TurboTax software itself and is generally not what you need unless you plan to open it with the desktop software or transfer data. For a printable, readable copy, always choose the PDF option.
Step 4: Saving and Printing Your Return
Once the PDF has downloaded:
4.1 Locate the Downloaded File: Check your computer's "Downloads" folder or the location where your browser usually saves downloaded files. The file will typically be named something like "YourName_2023_TaxReturn.pdf."
4.2 Open and Verify: Open the PDF to ensure it's the correct return and all information is present.
4.3 Save and Print: Save a copy of this PDF in a secure, easily accessible folder on your computer, perhaps named "Tax Documents [Year]." You can also print a physical copy for your records if you prefer.
For TurboTax CD/Download Software Users: Locating Your Local Files
If you used the desktop version of TurboTax, your tax return files are stored on the computer where you prepared and saved them. TurboTax does not store these online.
Step 2: Finding the Correct Computer and Software Version
This is where things can get a little tricky if you've used multiple computers or upgraded your operating system.
2.1 Identify the Computer: Your tax file will be on the same computer you used to prepare and save that specific year's tax return. If you've upgraded computers since then, you might need to access your old machine or a backup.
2.2 Have the Correct Year's Software: To open and view your tax return data file, you will need the exact same version of TurboTax software you used to create it. For example, to open a 2023 tax file, you need TurboTax 2023 installed on your computer. If you don't have it installed, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or downloaded installer.
Step 3: Searching for Your .tax File
TurboTax tax data files have a specific file extension, which makes them easier to find.
3.1 Use Your Computer's Search Function:
Windows: Click the "Start" menu (or the search bar/Cortana icon in Windows 10/11) and type
*.tax2023(replace "2023" with the tax year you're looking for, e.g.,*.tax2022,*.tax2021). Press Enter. This will search your entire computer for files with that extension.Mac: Open a Finder window, go to "File" > "Find," or use the Spotlight search (Command + Space). Type
tax2023(again, adjust the year as needed). You might need to specify the file extension.tax2023for a more precise search.
3.2 Common Save Locations: By default, TurboTax often saves tax files in your "Documents" folder, specifically in a "TurboTax" subfolder, with subfolders for each year (e.g.,
Documents\TurboTax\2023).3.3 Identify the Correct File: You might find several files. Look for the one that corresponds to your actual filed return. It's usually named something clear like
[YourName] 2023 Federal.tax2023.
Step 4: Opening and Exporting as PDF
Once you've located the .tax file:
4.1 Open the File with the Correct Software: Do not double-click the
.taxfile directly from the search results. Instead, first open the TurboTax software for that specific year (e.g., open TurboTax 2023).4.2 Open Your Return: Within the TurboTax software, go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" (or a similar option). Navigate to where you found your
.taxfile and select it to open.4.3 Print or Save as PDF: Once your return is open in the software, you can usually go to "File" > "Print" or "Save As PDF." Choose the option to print or save the entire return, including all government forms and worksheets. This will create a comprehensive PDF document.
4.4 Secure Your Copy: Save the PDF in a safe place on your computer and consider printing a physical copy for your records.
What if You Can't Find It Anywhere? Alternative Methods
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to locate your return on TurboTax or your computer. Don't worry, you still have options!
Option 1: Request a Transcript from the IRS (Free)
The IRS provides free tax transcripts, which are summaries of your tax returns.
Types of Transcripts:
Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, etc.) as you filed it. It does not include any changes made after you filed (e.g., IRS adjustments).
Tax Account Transcript: Shows basic data like filing status, adjusted gross income (AGI), and payment information, along with any changes made by you or the IRS after the original return was filed.
How to Request:
Online (Immediate Access): Visit the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool on their website (
irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript). You'll need to verify your identity.By Mail (5-10 business days): Use the "Get Transcript by Mail" tool on the IRS website, or complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
Note: Transcripts are generally available for the current and three prior tax years.
Option 2: Request a Copy of Your Tax Return from the IRS (Fee Involved)
If a transcript isn't enough, and you need an exact copy of your original filed return with all attachments and schedules, you can request it from the IRS.
How to Request: Complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Fee: The IRS charges a fee for each copy requested.
Processing Time: This can take up to 75 calendar days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about finding your last year's tax return on TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to log into my TurboTax account if I forgot my User ID? On the TurboTax sign-in page, click "Forgot User ID?" and follow the prompts to recover it, often through your associated email or phone number.
How to find my AGI from last year's tax return on TurboTax? If you have access to your PDF return, your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is typically found on Line 11 of your Form 1040 (or Line 8b for prior years). If accessing online, go to your Tax Home, select the prior year, and download the PDF.
How to find a tax return filed with TurboTax Desktop on a new computer?
You will need to transfer the .tax file from your old computer to the new one. This can be done via a USB drive, cloud storage, or network transfer. You'll also need to install the same year's TurboTax software on the new computer to open the file.
How to access TurboTax returns older than 7 years? TurboTax online typically stores returns for 7 years. For returns older than that, you will likely need to request a transcript or copy directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T (for transcripts) or Form 4506 (for full copies).
How to get a copy of my state tax return from TurboTax?
If you filed your state return through TurboTax Online, it will be included in the PDF download of your complete return. If you filed via desktop software, your state return is usually part of the .tax file or saved as a separate PDF in the same folder as your federal return.
How to download multiple years of tax returns from TurboTax at once? Currently, TurboTax requires you to download each year's return individually. There isn't an option to download multiple years in a single batch.
How to print only specific forms from a TurboTax PDF return? Once you open the downloaded PDF of your tax return, you can use your PDF viewer's print options to select specific pages or page ranges corresponding to the forms you need.
How to know if I filed with TurboTax Online or Desktop? Think about how you accessed the software: did you go to a website (online) or click an icon on your computer's desktop after installing it (desktop)? If you paid an annual subscription or accessed it via a browser, it's likely online.
How to get a tax return if I no longer have access to the email linked to my TurboTax account? Contact TurboTax customer support. They have procedures to help verify your identity and regain access to your account, even if your email address has changed or is inaccessible.
How to get an exact copy of my tax return from the IRS if a transcript isn't enough? You need to fill out and mail Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," to the IRS. Be aware that there is a fee for this service, and it can take up to 75 days to process.
