Embarking on your tax journey with TurboTax only to realize you need a fresh start can feel like hitting a reset button on a complex puzzle. Perhaps you made a few too many clicks in the wrong direction, imported incorrect information, or simply want to approach your taxes with a clean slate. Whatever the reason, starting over on TurboTax is a common scenario, and thankfully, it's quite straightforward, provided you haven't taken certain irreversible steps.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of starting over on TurboTax, whether you're using the online version or the desktop software. We'll cover everything from the crucial prerequisites to the exact steps, ensuring you can confidently get back on track.
The Great Reset: Why You Might Need to Start Over on TurboTax
Before we dive into the "how," let's briefly touch upon why you might find yourself in this situation. It's perfectly normal! Some common reasons include:
Incorrect Filing Status: You realized you picked the wrong filing status (e.g., Single instead of Head of Household) after entering a significant amount of data.
Importing the Wrong Data: You accidentally imported an old W-2 or a 1099 from a previous year, or the data imported was flawed.
Significant Life Changes: A recent life event (marriage, divorce, new dependent) drastically alters your tax situation, and it feels easier to start fresh than to retroactively adjust.
General Confusion/Overwhelm: You've gone down a rabbit hole of tax questions and feel completely lost, needing to simplify and rebuild.
Experimentation: You were simply exploring TurboTax and now want to begin your actual tax preparation.
Important Note: The ability to "start over" is largely dependent on whether you've paid for your return, registered the product, or e-filed/printed your return. If you've done any of these, a complete "start over" feature might not be available, and you'll typically need to amend your return (a different process entirely) or manually edit the existing one. We'll clarify this as we go.
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| How To Start Over On Turbotax |
Step 1: Assess Your Current TurboTax Status (Engage!)
Alright, let's get started! Before we do anything else, I need you to answer a crucial question: Have you already paid for your TurboTax return, registered your product, or attempted to e-file or print it?
If your answer is NO: Fantastic! You're in the best possible position for a quick and easy reset. Proceed directly to Step 2: Clearing Your Return in TurboTax Online or Step 3: Starting Fresh with TurboTax Desktop, depending on which version you're using.
If your answer is YES (you've paid, registered, or filed): Hold on a moment. Unfortunately, the "Clear & Start Over" option is usually unavailable at this point. Don't worry, all is not lost! You'll likely need to manually edit your existing return or, if it's already been filed and accepted, file an amended return. This guide focuses on starting over before these actions, but I'll provide quick guidance on these alternatives at the end. For now, let's assume you're looking for a full reset.
Step 2: Clearing Your Return in TurboTax Online
If you're using TurboTax Online and haven't paid or filed, this is your path to a fresh start. The process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to wipe the slate clean.
Sub-heading: Accessing Your Return
First, you need to be logged into your TurboTax account and have your current, incomplete return open.
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and sign in with your User ID and password.
Open Your Return: If you're not automatically directed to your return, look for a button or link that says "Continue your return" or "Take me to my return." Click on it to open the tax year you wish to clear.
Sub-heading: Locating the "Tax Tools" Menu
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
Once inside your return, you'll need to find the "Tax Tools" section. This is usually located in the left-hand navigation menu.
Navigate to the Left Menu: Look for a vertical menu bar on the left side of your screen. You might need to scroll down a bit to see all the options.
Find "Tax Tools": Click on the option labeled "Tax Tools." This will typically expand into a sub-menu.
Sub-heading: Selecting "Clear & Start Over"
Within the "Tax Tools" sub-menu, you'll find the "Clear & Start Over" option. This is the magic button!
Click "Clear & Start Over": From the expanded "Tax Tools" menu, select "Clear & Start Over."
Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax will present a confirmation prompt asking if you are absolutely sure you want to clear your return. This is your last chance to back out!
Read the warning carefully: It will explicitly state that all your entered data will be erased.
Select "Yes" or "Confirm": If you're certain, click "Yes" or the equivalent button to confirm.
Sub-heading: Voila! A Blank Canvas
After confirming, TurboTax will erase all the data you've entered for that specific tax return. You'll be brought back to the very beginning of the tax preparation process, as if you just started for the first time.
Congratulations! You now have a completely blank canvas to begin your taxes anew. Take a deep breath, gather your documents, and proceed with renewed focus.
Step 3: Starting Fresh with TurboTax Desktop
If you're using the TurboTax Desktop software (CD/Download version), the process for starting over is a bit different as your files are stored locally on your computer. You essentially create a new return file.
Sub-heading: Do Not Save the Existing Return (Crucial!)
This is perhaps the most important step for desktop users. If you want to start completely fresh without any lingering data, make sure you do not save the existing, erroneous return file.
Close the Current Return: If you have the return you want to discard open, go to "File" in the top menu bar and select "Close Tax Return."
Do NOT Save Changes: When prompted to save changes, select "No" or "Don't Save." This ensures that the current, problematic data isn't permanently stored.
Sub-heading: Creating a New Tax Return File
Instead of "clearing" a return, you simply start a brand new one.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Go to "File" Menu: With TurboTax Desktop open, go to the "File" menu at the top left of the program screen.
Select "New Tax Return": From the dropdown menu, choose "New Tax Return."
Sub-heading: Beginning Anew
TurboTax will then open a completely new, blank tax return file. You'll be prompted to enter your basic information as if it's your first time using the software for this tax year.
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Name Your New File Wisely: When you eventually save this new return, give it a distinct name (e.g., "MyTaxes2024_Revised" or "SmithTaxes_NewStart") to avoid confusion with any previously saved, incorrect files.
Sub-heading: Deleting Old Files (Optional but Recommended)
While starting a new return effectively ignores the old one, you might want to delete the problematic .tax file from your computer to avoid confusion and free up space.
Locate Your TurboTax Files: By default, TurboTax files are usually saved in your Documents folder within a "TurboTax" subfolder. You can also search your computer for files ending with
.taxfollowed by the tax year (e.g.,_2024.tax).Identify and Delete: Find the specific
.taxfile associated with the return you want to discard. Be absolutely sure it's the correct file before deleting! Right-click on it and select "Delete."
What if You've Already Paid or Filed? (Alternatives to "Starting Over")
As mentioned earlier, if you've already committed to your TurboTax return by paying, registering the product, or filing it (even if it was rejected), the "Clear & Start Over" option is usually no longer available. Here are your alternatives:
Sub-heading: Manually Editing Your Return (Pre-Filed)
If you've paid or registered but haven't filed yet, you can still go back and edit almost anything in your return.
Access Your Return: Log in and open your return as usual.
Navigate to Sections: Use the left-hand navigation menu or the "Search" bar within TurboTax to go directly to the sections where you need to make changes (e.g., "My Info," "Income," "Deductions & Credits").
Make Corrections: Carefully review and adjust the incorrect entries. TurboTax will automatically update your tax calculations as you go.
Re-Review Thoroughly: Before filing, go through the entire "Review" section again to catch any new errors or omissions.
Sub-heading: Amending Your Return (Post-Filed and Accepted)
If your return has already been successfully filed and accepted by the IRS (and/or state), you cannot simply "start over." You need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X (for federal taxes).
Access "Amend My Return": In TurboTax Online, after logging in, go to "Tax Home," scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents," and select the year you want to amend. You should see an option like "Amend (change) your return."
Follow the Prompts: TurboTax will guide you through the amendment process, asking what you need to change. It will essentially let you make the corrections, and then generate the Form 1040-X, which explains the changes to the IRS.
Paper Filing for Amendments: Most amended returns, especially federal Form 1040-X, must be printed and mailed to the IRS. They generally cannot be e-filed.
Wait for Acceptance: Amending a return can take several weeks or even months for the IRS to process, so be prepared for a waiting period.
Tip: Reading twice doubles clarity.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to delete an unfinished return in TurboTax Online?
You can delete an unfinished return in TurboTax Online as long as you haven't paid or filed. Go to "Tax Tools" in the left menu, then select "Clear & Start Over," and confirm your decision.
How to start a new tax return in TurboTax Desktop?
In TurboTax Desktop, to start a new return, go to "File" in the top menu and select "New Tax Return." This creates a fresh, blank file.
How to go back and edit information in TurboTax if I haven't filed?
If you haven't filed, you can edit information by simply navigating back to the relevant sections (e.g., "My Info," "Income," "Deductions & Credits") in your TurboTax return and making the necessary changes.
How to change my filing status in TurboTax?
To change your filing status in TurboTax, go to the "My Info" section. You'll typically find an option there to review or edit your personal information, including your filing status.
How to cancel TurboTax Deluxe and switch to a lower version?
If you haven't paid or filed, clearing and starting over (as described in Step 2) will allow you to select a different product version when you begin anew. If you've already paid, contact TurboTax support for options.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to fix a mistake on a filed TurboTax return?
To fix a mistake on a filed and accepted TurboTax return, you need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. TurboTax can help you prepare this form within your account.
How to find the "Tax Tools" menu in TurboTax Online?
The "Tax Tools" menu in TurboTax Online is usually located in the vertical navigation bar on the left side of your screen when you are actively working on your return. You may need to scroll down to see it.
How to ensure all my data is erased when starting over in TurboTax?
For TurboTax Online, using the "Clear & Start Over" option ensures all entered data for that specific return is erased. For Desktop, starting a new return and optionally deleting the old .tax file provides a clean slate.
How to deal with a rejected e-filed return in TurboTax?
If your e-filed return was rejected, you typically do not need to start over. TurboTax will usually provide a reason for the rejection, allowing you to correct the specific error(s) in your existing return and then re-transmit it.
How to get help from TurboTax if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck, TurboTax offers various support options, including their online knowledge base (TurboTax Help), community forums, and often live chat or phone support, especially for paid versions. Look for "Help" or "Support" links within the software or on their website.
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