Are you looking to part ways with your TurboTax account? Perhaps you've switched tax software, or maybe you just want to tidy up your digital footprint. Whatever your reason, navigating account deletion can sometimes feel like a maze. But don't worry, we're here to guide you through it, step by painstaking step!
Understanding TurboTax Account Deletion: The Nuances
First, it's crucial to understand a key point: TurboTax accounts, specifically those linked to your Intuit ID, often cannot be entirely "deleted" in the traditional sense, especially if you've paid for a service or filed a return. This is due to legal requirements for tax preparers to retain records. However, you can submit a data deletion request to Intuit, which effectively removes much of your personal data and prevents you from logging in with that specific ID. You can also "clear and start over" if you haven't paid or filed.
Let's dive into the process!
Step 1: Assess Your TurboTax Account Status – Have You Filed or Paid?
Before you do anything, take a moment to consider your situation. This will determine the best course of action.
Scenario A: You've only started a return but haven't paid or filed.
Good news! In this case, you have the most flexibility. You can typically "clear and start over" within the TurboTax online platform, effectively erasing the data you've entered for that specific tax year.
Scenario B: You have paid for a TurboTax product or filed a tax return.
This is the common scenario. Due to IRS and other regulatory requirements, Intuit (the parent company of TurboTax) is legally obligated to retain copies of filed tax returns for a certain period (generally 7 years). This means a full, permanent deletion of your entire account, including the tax return data, isn't typically possible. However, you can submit a request to delete your personal data associated with the account, which is the closest you'll get to a "deletion."
Engage with me: Which scenario best describes your situation? Knowing this will help us focus on the most relevant steps for you!
Step 2: Accessing Your Intuit Account Manager
Regardless of your scenario, the primary hub for managing your TurboTax account (and indeed, any Intuit product like QuickBooks) is the Intuit Account Manager.
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Right Place
Open your web browser and go to the Intuit Account Manager. The direct link is usually accounts.intuit.com.
Sign in using the user ID and password associated with your TurboTax account. If you've forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot User ID or Password?" link to recover them. This is a critical step, as you can't proceed without logging in.
Step 3: Initiating a Data Privacy Request (For Scenarios A & B)
Once you're logged into your Intuit Account Manager, you'll find the options related to your data and privacy.
Sub-heading: Finding the Data Privacy Section
On the left-hand menu of the Intuit Account Manager, look for and select "Data privacy." This section is specifically designed for you to manage your personal information across Intuit products.
Within the "Data privacy" section, you should see an option related to deletion. It might be labeled something like "Delete" or "Delete your Intuit data." Select this option.
You'll likely be presented with a prompt to "Make a delete request" or similar wording. Click on this to proceed.
Sub-heading: Specifying Your Deletion Request
Now, you'll be given the opportunity to specify what data you wish to delete.
The system may allow you to choose the specific account and product data you would like to delete. For TurboTax, you might see options to delete data related to particular tax years or the entire TurboTax product line associated with your Intuit ID.
Carefully read the information provided on the screen about what data will be deleted and what the implications are. Be aware that deleting data may affect your ability to access past tax returns. It's highly recommended to download and save copies of any important tax returns before proceeding with a deletion request.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete and submit your delete request. You might need to confirm your identity again for security purposes.
Step 4: Alternative Method: "Clear and Start Over" (Primarily for Scenario A)
If you're in Scenario A (you haven't paid or filed), you might find it easier to simply "Clear and Start Over" for the current tax year's return. This doesn't delete your entire Intuit account but effectively wipes the tax data you've entered for that specific year.
Sub-heading: Steps to Clear and Start Over
Log in to your TurboTax online account for the tax year you're working on.
Look for a "Tax Tools" or "My Account" option on the left-hand menu.
Under "Tax Tools," you should see an option like "Clear & Start Over" or "Start Over."
Click on this option and follow the prompts to confirm. This will delete all the data you've entered for that tax return, allowing you to begin a new one or simply abandon the account for that year.
Step 5: Contacting TurboTax Support (If Other Methods Fail or for Deactivation)
In some cases, especially if you encounter issues with the online portal or want to ensure your account is truly deactivated, contacting TurboTax customer support might be necessary.
Sub-heading: Reaching Out to Customer Service
Visit the TurboTax support website. Look for their "Contact Us" section.
You may have options for chat support or phone support. Often, for account-specific issues, phone support is recommended.
When you connect with a representative, clearly state your intention to delete your personal data or deactivate your account. Be prepared to provide identification to verify your ownership of the account.
Be patient! The process may take some time, and the representative might need to escalate your request.
Step 6: Verifying Your Deletion Request
After submitting a deletion request, Intuit will usually send you an email confirmation about the request and what to expect.
Sub-heading: Confirmation and Follow-up
Check your email (including spam/junk folders) for a confirmation from Intuit regarding your data deletion request. This email often outlines the timeframe for the deletion to be processed.
It can take anywhere from a few days to up to 45 days for the data deletion process to be completed.
During this time, it's generally advised not to create a new Intuit account with the same email address, as this could potentially affect the deletion process.
Important Considerations and What to Expect:
Data Retention Laws: As mentioned, tax software companies are legally required to retain tax return data for a certain period. This means even after a deletion request, copies of your filed returns will likely remain in their archives for compliance purposes. However, your personal identifying information can often be dissociated from these records.
Intuit ID: Deleting your TurboTax data essentially impacts your Intuit ID. If you use this same Intuit ID for other Intuit products (like QuickBooks, Mint, etc.), your deletion request might affect those as well. Be sure to clarify this during the deletion process if you have multiple Intuit products.
Downloading Your Returns: Always, always, always download and save PDF copies of your tax returns before initiating any deletion process. This provides you with your own record for future reference, audits, or if you need to access prior-year information. TurboTax typically allows you to download up to 7 years of past returns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to deleting your TurboTax account, with quick answers:
How to check if my TurboTax account is truly deleted? You can't typically "check" if it's entirely deleted in the traditional sense. After submitting a data deletion request, you'll receive an email confirmation from Intuit. Attempting to log in with your old credentials and finding that you can't access your data is usually the practical confirmation.
How to retrieve old tax returns after deleting my TurboTax account? If you submitted a data deletion request, you likely won't be able to retrieve them through your TurboTax account directly. It's crucial to download and save PDF copies of your returns before initiating any deletion. If you didn't, you might need to request transcripts directly from the IRS.
How to delete my TurboTax account if I forgot my password? First, go to the Intuit Account Manager (accounts.intuit.com) and use the "Forgot User ID or Password?" link to regain access. Once you've successfully logged in, you can proceed with the data deletion steps outlined above.
How to delete a TurboTax account from a deceased person? You will need to contact TurboTax customer support directly. They will likely require proof of death (e.g., a death certificate) and proof of your authority to act on behalf of the deceased person's estate.
How to delete a TurboTax account on the mobile app? While you might be able to access some settings on the mobile app, the most comprehensive way to submit a data deletion request is through the web-based Intuit Account Manager via a computer browser.
How to delete my payment information from TurboTax? You can usually manage your saved payment methods within the "Account Details" or "Billing" section of your TurboTax or Intuit account settings. Look for options to remove or update payment information there.
How to stop receiving emails from TurboTax after deletion? Even after a data deletion request, you might still receive some general communications. Look for an "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of any marketing emails from TurboTax. For essential account-related communications (which should cease if your data is deleted), you may need to explicitly request to be removed from all mailing lists when contacting support.
How to clear only one tax return in TurboTax, not the whole account? If you haven't paid or filed, you can use the "Clear & Start Over" option within the specific tax year's return you wish to clear. This will delete the data for that particular return, but not your overall Intuit account.
How to unlink my bank account from TurboTax? Your bank account information is typically used for direct deposit or debit for tax payments/refunds. Once a return is filed, this information isn't "linked" in an ongoing transactional way. However, any saved bank details for future use can usually be removed within your TurboTax account settings under payment or profile information.
How to confirm if my personal data has been removed after a deletion request? Intuit will send you an email confirmation when your data deletion request has been processed. Beyond that, the most practical confirmation is your inability to log in to the account or access personal information previously stored there.
