Do you ever find yourself staring at a loan application, a college financial aid form, or even just trying to remember what your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was last year, and then BAM! you realize you need an old tax return? It happens to the best of us. Whether you filed with TurboTax Online, a desktop version, or even a CD, retrieving those crucial documents might seem daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to successfully find your old tax returns on TurboTax, ensuring you're never left scrambling again.
How to Find Old Tax Returns on TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting your hands on a past tax return is generally straightforward if you used TurboTax. The method depends primarily on how you filed your taxes. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Product Type (Engage!)
Before we go any further, take a moment to think back. When you filed your taxes with TurboTax in the past, did you:
A. Use TurboTax Online (through a web browser)? (This is the most common method these days!)
B. Purchase and install TurboTax Desktop software (CD or Download) on your computer?
C. Use TurboTax Live (where an expert prepared your taxes)? (This typically falls under the Online category for accessing returns, but it's good to distinguish.)
Knowing this will significantly narrow down our search!
Step 2: Accessing Returns for TurboTax Online Users
If you chose option A or C in Step 1, this section is for you! TurboTax Online stores your tax returns in your account for easy access. They typically keep returns for up to seven years, aligning with IRS recommendations for record keeping.
Sub-heading: Logging In to Your TurboTax Account
This is the most crucial part. You must use the same user ID and password that you used when you originally filed those returns. If you have multiple TurboTax accounts, you might need to try a few combinations.
Navigate to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and go to
https://turbotax.intuit.com Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Click on it.
Enter Your Credentials: Input your correct User ID and Password.
Trouble logging in? If you've forgotten your User ID or Password, look for the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links. TurboTax has robust account recovery tools that can help you regain access, often by sending a verification code to your registered email or phone number. Don't create a new account if you can help it! Your old returns are tied to your original account.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you're successfully logged in, you'll be taken to your Tax Home page. This is your central hub.
Scroll Down: On the Tax Home screen, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar.
Select the Desired Year: Within this section, you should see a list of the tax years for which you've filed with TurboTax Online. Click on the specific tax year you need.
Download Your Return: After selecting the year, you'll typically see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF". Click this option.
Save the PDF: Your tax return will download as a PDF file to your computer. You can then open, view, and print this PDF as needed. Make sure to save it in a secure and easily accessible location on your computer for future reference!
Step 3: Accessing Returns for TurboTax CD/Download Users
If you opted for option B in Step 1, your tax returns are stored locally on your computer, not online with TurboTax. This means the process is different but still manageable.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Tax Files on Your Computer
The key here is finding the .tax file (e.g., MyTaxes2023.tax2023) for the specific year you need.
Default Save Location: Most TurboTax Desktop users save their tax files in a default location. For Windows users, this is often in your Documents folder under a subfolder named "TurboTax" or "Intuit." For Mac users, it might be in your Documents folder as well.
Search Your Computer: If you can't find it in the default location, use your computer's search function:
Windows: Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E), then use the search bar in the top right corner. Search for
*.tax20XX(replaceXXwith the year you need, e.g.,*.tax2023).Mac: Use Spotlight (Command + Spacebar) and type in
tax20XXor "TurboTax."
Check Backup Locations: Did you ever back up your computer to an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive)? Check those backup locations! Many users forget they've saved their important documents there.
Sub-heading: Opening and Printing Your Return
Once you've located the .tax file, you'll need the corresponding year's TurboTax Desktop software installed on your computer to open it.
Install the Correct Software (if needed): If you no longer have the TurboTax software for that specific year installed, you'll need to reinstall it. You can often download past year's software versions from the TurboTax website (though they might come with a cost if you didn't previously purchase that version's download).
Open the File: Double-click on the
.taxfile. This should automatically open it in the installed TurboTax software for that year.Navigate to Print/Save: Once the return is open in the software, look for options like "Print," "Save as PDF," or "File" -> "Print." You'll want to save a PDF copy of your return.
Pro Tip: Always save a PDF copy of your tax return after filing, regardless of whether you use online or desktop software. This creates a portable, easily viewable record!
Step 4: When TurboTax Can't Help: Utilizing IRS Resources
What if you can't find your returns through TurboTax, perhaps because you filed more than seven years ago, or you used a different tax preparer? The IRS is your ultimate backup. They offer two primary ways to get your tax information:
Sub-heading: Free Tax Transcripts (Most Common and Easiest)
Tax transcripts are summaries of your tax return information and are often sufficient for things like loan applications or FAFSA. They are free and can be accessed relatively quickly.
Types of Transcripts:
Tax Return Transcript: Shows most line items from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, etc.). It doesn't include changes made after you filed.
Tax Account Transcript: Shows basic data from your return, as well as changes made by you or the IRS after the original filing. This is often recommended if you need to see adjustments.
How to Request Transcripts:
Online: The fastest way! Go to the IRS "Get Transcript" tool on their website:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript By Mail: You can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (for Tax Return Transcripts) or Form 4506T-EZ (for Tax Return Transcripts, a simplified form if you only need the transcript for Form 1040/1040-SR). These forms are available on the IRS website. Mailed requests can take 5-10 business days.
By Phone: You can also call the IRS at 800-908-9946 to request a transcript.
Sub-heading: Full Copies of Your Tax Return (If Transcripts Aren't Enough)
If you need an exact copy of your filed tax return, including all schedules and attachments, you'll need to request it directly from the IRS using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
Download Form 4506: You can find this form on the IRS website.
Fill Out the Form: Carefully complete all required information, including your name, SSN (and spouse's if it was a joint return), current address, and the tax year(s) you need.
Include Payment: As of the current information, the IRS charges a fee (typically around $43 per return) for a full copy. Make sure to include payment with your request.
Mail the Form: Mail the completed Form 4506 and payment to the appropriate IRS address (listed in the form's instructions for your state).
Be Patient: Processing these requests can take up to 60 days.
Step 5: Proactive Measures for Future Access
To avoid this scramble in the future, it's highly recommended to take these steps every year after you file your taxes:
Save a PDF Copy: Whether you use TurboTax Online or Desktop, always download and save a PDF copy of your complete tax return (including all schedules and worksheets) to a secure location on your computer and a backup device (external hard drive, USB, or cloud storage).
Print a Physical Copy: While optional, having a physical copy in a dedicated tax folder can be a lifesaver, especially for older returns.
Keep Your Login Information Secure: Store your TurboTax User ID and Password in a secure place, like a password manager, so you don't forget them.
Organize Your Tax Documents: Create a system for organizing all your tax-related documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.) by year.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to find your old tax returns on TurboTax, or through the IRS, whenever you need them!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about accessing old tax returns on TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to find my TurboTax user ID if I forgot it? Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and click on the "Forgot User ID" link. Follow the prompts to recover your ID, which often involves verifying your identity via email or phone.
How to recover my TurboTax password? On the TurboTax sign-in page, click "Forgot Password." You'll be guided through a process to reset your password, typically using a verification code sent to your registered contact information.
How to access returns older than 7 years on TurboTax? TurboTax online accounts generally store returns for up to seven years. For returns older than seven years, you'll need to request a transcript or a copy of your tax return directly from the IRS using their "Get Transcript" tool or Form 4506.
How to get a copy of a tax return filed with TurboTax Desktop if my computer crashed?
If your computer crashed and you didn't back up your .tax files, TurboTax cannot retrieve them for you. Your best option is to request a tax transcript or a full copy of your return from the IRS.
How to print a full tax return (including worksheets) from TurboTax Online? After logging in and selecting the desired tax year, look for the option to "Download/print return (PDF)." This PDF usually includes all forms and worksheets.
How to tell if I used TurboTax Online or Desktop in a previous year? If you logged into a website to prepare and file, it was TurboTax Online. If you bought software (CD or download) and installed it on your computer, it was TurboTax Desktop. Check your bank statements or email archives for purchase confirmations if unsure.
How to get my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from an old TurboTax return?
Your AGI is typically found on line 11 of your Form 1040 for recent tax years. You can find this by downloading the PDF of your past return from your TurboTax Online account or opening the .tax file with the desktop software.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" tool on their website (
How to request a full copy of my tax return from the IRS? You need to complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, along with the required fee (currently $43 per return), to the IRS. Be aware that this process can take up to 60 days.
How to prevent losing access to my old tax returns in the future? Always save a PDF copy of your complete tax return to at least two secure locations (e.g., your computer and a cloud storage service or external drive) immediately after filing each year.
