Tax season can be a whirlwind, and sometimes, long after the dust settles, you find yourself needing a copy of a past tax return. Perhaps you're applying for a loan, a mortgage, financial aid for college, or even just need to cross-reference information for your current year's taxes. Whatever the reason, if you used TurboTax to file, getting your old tax returns is usually a straightforward process.
Need your old tax returns from TurboTax? Let's get them!
Ever found yourself in a bind, needing that elusive tax document from a few years back? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people need to access their past tax returns for various reasons. The good news is, if you used TurboTax, whether the online version or the desktop software, getting those documents is often quite simple. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to retrieve your old tax returns, ensuring you have the information you need, when you need it.
Let's dive in and get those tax returns in your hands!
How to Get Old Tax Returns from TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide
The method you'll use depends on whether you utilized TurboTax Online or the TurboTax CD/Download (Desktop) software. We'll cover both scenarios in detail.
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Product Type
Before you do anything else, the most crucial first step is to recall how you filed your taxes with TurboTax in previous years. Did you use the web-based TurboTax Online platform, or did you purchase and install the TurboTax software on your computer (CD/Download version)?
TurboTax Online: This is where you accessed TurboTax through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and completed your taxes entirely online. Your returns are stored in your TurboTax account on their servers.
TurboTax CD/Download (Desktop): This means you bought a physical CD or downloaded the software installer to your computer and ran it from your machine. Your tax files are stored locally on your computer's hard drive.
Knowing this distinction will significantly streamline your retrieval process.
Step 2: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax Online
If you used TurboTax Online, your past tax returns are securely stored within your online account.
Sub-heading A: Accessing Your TurboTax Account
Go to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website (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: You'll be prompted to enter your User ID and Password.
Important Note: Ensure you use the exact same User ID you used when you filed those specific tax returns. Many people have multiple Intuit accounts, and using the wrong one might mean your returns aren't visible. If you've forgotten your User ID or password, look for the "Forgot User ID or Password?" link and follow the recovery steps. This usually involves verifying your identity via email, phone, or security questions.
Sub-heading B: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Once you've successfully logged into your TurboTax account, you'll land on your "Tax Home" page. This is your central hub for all things TurboTax.
Scroll Down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": On the Tax Home page, scroll down until you see a section clearly labeled "Your tax returns & documents."
Select the Desired Tax Year: Within this section, you should see a list of the tax years you've filed with TurboTax Online. Click on the specific tax year for which you need the return (e.g., "2023 Tax Year," "2022 Tax Year," etc.).
Tip: TurboTax typically keeps your online returns accessible for the past seven years. If the year you're looking for isn't listed, it might be older than seven years, or you might be in the wrong account.
Sub-heading C: Downloading Your Return
After selecting the tax year, you'll be presented with options for that year's return.
Choose "Download/Print Return (PDF)": Look for an option that says something similar to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF." Click on it.
Save the PDF: Your web browser will likely prompt you to save the PDF file to your computer. Choose a location where you can easily find it, such as your "Documents" folder or a dedicated "Tax Returns" folder.
Open and Review: Once downloaded, open the PDF file with a PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) to view and print your return if needed. You now have a complete copy of your old tax return!
Step 3: Retrieving Returns from TurboTax CD/Download (Desktop)
If you used the TurboTax CD/Download software, your tax files are stored on the computer where you prepared and saved your returns. TurboTax does not store these files online.
Sub-heading A: Locating Your Tax Files
Identify the Computer Used: The first step is to remember which computer you used to prepare and save the tax return. Was it your home desktop, a laptop, or perhaps an older machine you no longer use?
Check Default Save Locations: By default, TurboTax desktop software typically saves tax files in the following locations:
Windows:
Documents\TurboTaxorMy Documents\TurboTaxMac:
Documents\TurboTaxorApplications\TurboTaxWithin these folders, you'll often find subfolders for each tax year (e.g.,
TurboTax 2023,TurboTax 2022).
Search for
.taxFiles: If you can't find them in the default locations, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for files with the.taxextension, followed by the year. For example, for a 2023 tax return, you might search for*.tax2023.
Sub-heading B: Opening and Printing Your Return
Once you've located the tax file (e.g., yourname_2023.tax2023), you'll need the corresponding year's TurboTax software to open it.
Install the Correct Year's Software: If you don't have the specific year's TurboTax software installed (e.g., TurboTax 2023 for a 2023 tax file), you may need to reinstall it from your original CD or download the installer from TurboTax's website (they often offer prior-year software downloads for purchase).
Open the Tax File:
Method 1: Open from within TurboTax: Launch the correct year's TurboTax software. Go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and navigate to the location where you found your
.taxfile.Method 2: Double-click the file: Simply double-click the
.taxfile. If the correct TurboTax software is installed, it should open automatically.
Print Your Return: Once the return is open in the software, you can usually go to "File" > "Print" to print a hard copy, or "File" > "Save as PDF" (or a similar option) to create a PDF version for your digital records.
Step 4: What If You Can't Find Your Returns (Online or Desktop)?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not be able to locate your old tax returns through TurboTax. This could be due to:
Using a different TurboTax account.
The returns being older than TurboTax's 7-year online retention policy.
A hard drive failure or accidental deletion for desktop users.
In these situations, you have other avenues to explore:
Sub-heading A: Contacting the IRS Directly
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) keeps records of all filed tax returns. You can request copies or transcripts directly from them.
Request a Tax Return Transcript (Free):
An IRS Tax Return Transcript shows most line items from your original tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR) as you filed it. It does not include changes made after you filed.
You can request transcripts for the current tax year and the past three years online, by phone, or by mail.
Visit the IRS website (IRS.gov) and search for "Get Transcript" or "Form 4506-T" (for requesting transcripts). This is generally the fastest and free option.
Request a Copy of Your Tax Return (Fee-Based):
If you need an exact copy of your filed tax return, including any attachments or schedules, you can request it from the IRS using Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.
There is a fee for each copy requested, and the processing time can take up to 75 calendar days. This option is typically used if a transcript isn't sufficient for your needs.
Sub-heading B: Checking State Tax Agencies
If you need a copy of a state tax return, you will need to contact your specific state's tax agency directly. Their procedures for requesting old returns will vary, so visit your state's Department of Revenue or equivalent website for instructions.
Essential Tips for Managing Your Tax Returns
Save a PDF Copy Annually: Always save a PDF copy of your completed tax return to your computer and/or a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) every year after you file. This is the simplest way to ensure you have easy access to your records.
Print a Hard Copy: While digital copies are convenient, having a physical printout of your tax return stored in a secure location (like a filing cabinet or safe) can be invaluable, especially for very old returns.
Organize Your Files: Create a dedicated folder on your computer for tax documents, with subfolders for each year (e.g., "Taxes 2023"). This makes finding documents much easier.
Keep Login Information Secure: Store your TurboTax User ID and password in a secure password manager or a safe place.
Understand Retention Policies: Be aware that TurboTax (and the IRS) generally retain records for a specific number of years (often seven years). For older returns, direct requests to the IRS might be your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to access prior-year tax returns on TurboTax Online?
You can access prior-year tax returns on TurboTax Online by signing into your account, navigating to "Tax Home," scrolling down to "Your tax returns & documents," and selecting the desired year to download the PDF.
How to find old TurboTax files on my computer (desktop version)?
To find old TurboTax files on your computer, check the default save locations (usually Documents\TurboTax on Windows or Mac). You can also use your computer's search function to look for files with the .tax extension followed by the tax year (e.g., *.tax2023).
How to retrieve tax returns older than seven years from TurboTax?
TurboTax generally retains online returns for seven years. For returns older than seven years, you will likely need to request a tax transcript or a copy of your tax return directly from the IRS using their online tools or by mail with Form 4506.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS?
You can get a free tax transcript from the IRS by visiting IRS.gov and searching for "Get Transcript Online" or by mail using Form 4506-T. This transcript shows most line items from your original return.
How to request a full copy of my tax return from the IRS?
To request a full copy of your actual tax return from the IRS, you need to complete and mail Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Be aware there is a fee for each copy, and processing can take several weeks.
How to deal with multiple TurboTax accounts?
If you suspect you have multiple TurboTax accounts, try logging in with different email addresses or user IDs you might have used. TurboTax also has tools to help you identify and manage multiple accounts through their support pages.
How to save my TurboTax Online return as a PDF?
After you file your return with TurboTax Online, you can typically find an option within your account, often under "Your tax returns & documents" for that specific year, to "Download/print return (PDF)."
How to print an old tax return from TurboTax Desktop software?
Open the specific year's tax file (.tax extension) using the corresponding year's TurboTax desktop software. Once the return is open, go to "File" and select "Print" to get a hard copy.
How to get old state tax returns?
To get old state tax returns, you will need to contact your specific state's tax agency or Department of Revenue directly. Their websites will have instructions on how to request prior-year state returns.
How to prepare for future access to tax returns?
For future access, always save a PDF copy of your completed tax return to multiple locations (your computer, external hard drive, cloud storage) and print a hard copy for your records every year after filing. Keep your TurboTax login credentials secure.
