You've filed your taxes, and now you need a copy of your return. Perhaps for a loan application, a new apartment, or simply for your personal records. Whatever the reason, getting your tax return from TurboTax is a common need, and thankfully, it's usually a straightforward process.
So, are you ready to delve into the steps of retrieving your tax return from TurboTax? Let's get started!
How to Get Your Tax Return from TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide
The method you'll use to retrieve your tax return from TurboTax largely depends on how you filed – whether you used the online version or the CD/Download desktop software. We'll cover both scenarios in detail.
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| How To Get My Tax Return From Turbotax |
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Product Version
This is the crucial first step and will dictate the path you need to follow. Did you file using:
TurboTax Online: This is where you access TurboTax directly through your web browser, never installing any software on your computer.
TurboTax CD/Download Desktop Software: This is where you purchased a physical CD or downloaded the software to your computer and installed it.
Think back to how you prepared your taxes. Knowing this difference will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
Sub-heading: Why This Distinction Matters
The reason this distinction is so important is that TurboTax Online stores your tax returns on their servers, accessible through your account. In contrast, the CD/Download desktop software saves your tax return files directly onto your computer. TurboTax does not store online any returns completed using the desktop editions.
Step 2: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax Online
If you used TurboTax Online, you're in luck! This is generally the easiest method.
QuickTip: Break down long paragraphs into main ideas.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Account
Go to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website (
https://myturbotax.intuit.com/ Sign In: Enter the User ID and Password you used when you prepared and filed your tax return.
Forgotten your User ID or Password? Don't panic! TurboTax has recovery options. Look for links like "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page. You'll likely need access to the email address or phone number associated with your account.
Navigate to Your Tax Home: Once successfully signed in, you'll land on your "Tax Home" page.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Returns
Scroll Down: On the "Tax Home" page, scroll down to the section titled "Your tax returns & documents" (or similar wording).
Select the Tax Year: You'll see a list of tax years for which you've filed using that account. Click on the specific year for which you need a copy of your return.
Download/Print Return (PDF): Once you select the year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)." Click on this.
Sub-heading: What You Get and Important Tips
PDF Format: Your tax return will download as a PDF file. This is a universally viewable format, perfect for printing, saving, or sharing electronically.
Include Government and TurboTax Worksheets: When prompted (if applicable), choose the option to "Include government and TurboTax worksheets." This will give you a complete record of your return, including all supporting documents and calculations. This is often necessary for various financial applications.
Save a Copy: Immediately after downloading, save the PDF to a secure and easily accessible location on your computer or a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive). Consider creating a dedicated "Tax Documents" folder.
Print a Hard Copy: Even in our digital age, it's always a good idea to print a physical copy of your tax return for your records. Keep it in a safe place, like a filing cabinet.
Step 3: Retrieving Your Return from TurboTax CD/Download Desktop Software
If you used the CD/Download version of TurboTax, your return files are stored locally on your computer.
Sub-heading: Locating Your .tax File
Open the TurboTax Software: Launch the specific year's TurboTax software that you used to prepare the return (e.g., TurboTax 2024 for your 2024 tax return).
Open Your Tax File:
Go to the File menu at the top of the program.
Select "Open Tax Return..." or "Open."
Navigate to the location where you saved your tax data file. By default, TurboTax often saves these files in your "Documents" folder within a "TurboTax" subfolder (e.g.,
Documents > TurboTax > Tax Year).Your tax data file will have a
.taxextension followed by the two-digit year (e.g.,MyTaxes2024.tax2024).If you can't find it, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for files with
*.taxfollowed by the year (e.g.,*.tax2024).Consider checking your "Downloads" folder if you recently downloaded and opened the file.
Sub-heading: Printing or Saving Your Return
Access the Print Center: Once your tax return is open in the desktop software, look for a "Print Center" or "Print" option. This is often found in the File menu or as an icon on the toolbar.
Choose Print Options:
You'll likely be given options for what to print. Select to print the "Government Forms" and "All Worksheets" to ensure you have a complete copy.
You can choose to print directly to a physical printer or, more importantly, choose to "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF." This allows you to create a digital copy of your return.
Save the PDF: Just like with the online version, save the PDF to a secure and organized location on your computer.
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
Sub-heading: What if I Can't Find My File?
Search Thoroughly: Use your computer's search function for files ending in
.taxYYYY(where YYYY is the tax year).Check Backup Drives: If you back up your computer, check external hard drives or cloud backup services.
Corrupted File: In rare cases, your file might be corrupted. If this happens, you might need to rebuild your return (if still within the filing period) or request a transcript from the IRS (see Step 4).
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Step 4: Requesting Your Tax Return from the IRS (Alternative Method)
If for some reason you cannot access your return through TurboTax (e.g., forgot your login, lost your desktop file, or TurboTax no longer supports access to very old returns), you can always request a copy or transcript directly from the IRS.
Sub-heading: Understanding Transcripts vs. Copies
It's important to know the difference:
Tax Return Transcript: This is a free summary of your tax return, showing most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed, along with any forms and schedules. It doesn't include changes made after you filed (like IRS adjustments). Many lenders and institutions will accept a transcript.
Tax Account Transcript: This shows basic data from your return, as well as changes made after you filed (like IRS adjustments).
Copy of Your Tax Return: This is an exact copy of your filed tax return with all attachments and schedules. There is a fee for this ($43 as of June 2025, but always check the IRS website for the current fee).
Sub-heading: How to Request from the IRS
IRS Website (Recommended for Transcripts):
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" page:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript You can request transcripts online (if you can verify your identity) or by mail. Online delivery is usually instant.
Transcripts are typically available for the current tax year and the past three prior tax years.
Mail Request for a Copy of Your Tax Return (Form 4506):
If you need an exact copy of your return, you'll need to complete and mail IRS Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return."
You can download the form and instructions from the IRS website (
www.irs.gov This process can take up to 75 calendar days to process, and there is a fee per tax year requested.
Copies of Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ are generally available for 7 years from filing before they are destroyed by law.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
Keep Your Login Information Secure: Your TurboTax login is sensitive information. Use a strong, unique password and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
Save PDFs Annually: Make it a habit to save a PDF copy of your tax return every year immediately after filing, regardless of whether you used online or desktop software.
Backup Your Files: If using desktop software, regularly back up your entire computer or specifically your tax document folder to an external drive or cloud service.
Seven-Year Rule: The IRS generally keeps tax returns for seven years. TurboTax also typically allows access to returns for up to the past seven years online. Beyond that, obtaining a copy becomes more challenging.
State Returns: Remember that federal and state returns are separate. When downloading or printing, ensure you're getting copies of both if you filed a state return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about getting your tax return from TurboTax, with quick answers:
QuickTip: Read section by section for better flow.
How to access my current year's tax return on TurboTax Online?
Log in to your TurboTax account, go to "Tax Home," and then scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents" to select the current year and download the PDF.
How to download a prior year tax return from TurboTax Online?
Sign in to your TurboTax account, navigate to "Your tax returns & documents," select the desired prior tax year, and click "Download/print return (PDF)." TurboTax Online can usually access up to the past seven years.
How to get a copy of my tax return if I used TurboTax CD/Download?
Open the specific year's TurboTax desktop software, then open your .tax file (usually found in your Documents > TurboTax folder). From there, use the "Print Center" to save or print a PDF.
How to find my TurboTax login credentials if I forgot them?
On the TurboTax sign-in page, look for "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links. You'll typically need to enter your email address or phone number to recover them.
How to get my tax return if I no longer have the computer I used for TurboTax desktop?
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
If you saved a backup of your .tax file to an external drive or cloud, you can use that. Otherwise, you'll need to request a transcript or copy directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T or Form 4506.
How to request a free tax transcript from the IRS?
Visit the IRS "Get Transcript" page (
How to get a full copy of my tax return from the IRS, not just a transcript?
You must complete and mail IRS Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," along with the required fee, to the address specified on the form.
How to ensure my downloaded TurboTax return includes all worksheets?
When downloading or printing your return from TurboTax (both online and desktop), look for options to "Include government and TurboTax worksheets" or "Print Tax Return, all Calculation Worksheets."
How to save my tax return as a PDF from TurboTax?
From TurboTax Online, select "Download/print return (PDF)." From the desktop software, choose "Print to PDF" or "Save as PDF" from the print options.
How to get a state tax return from TurboTax?
If you filed a state return through TurboTax, it will typically be available alongside your federal return within the "Your tax returns & documents" section of your online account, or as part of your .tax file in the desktop software. Ensure you select to download/print both federal and state.
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