Do you need a copy of your tax return, perhaps for a loan application, financial planning, or just for your own records? If you've used TurboTax, you're in luck! Getting your past tax records is generally a straightforward process. Let's dive in and get you that important document.
How to Get Your Tax Records on TurboTax: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you used TurboTax Online or the desktop software, there's a method for you. Follow these steps carefully to retrieve your tax records.
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| How To Get Tax Record On Turbotax |
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Version and Account
Before we begin, the very first thing you need to do is think back to how you filed your taxes with TurboTax. Did you use:
TurboTax Online (accessed through a web browser)?
TurboTax Desktop (a CD or downloaded software installed on your computer)?
This is a crucial distinction, as the steps for retrieving your records will differ significantly based on your answer. Also, make sure you know the user ID and password for the TurboTax account you used to file, especially if you filed online. If you have multiple accounts, you might need to check each one.
Sub-heading: Why Knowing Your Version Matters
The online version of TurboTax stores your returns securely on their servers for a period (typically 7 years), making them easily accessible from any device with an internet connection. The desktop version, however, saves the tax files directly to your computer, meaning you'll need to access the specific computer where you prepared the return.
Step 2: Accessing Your Tax Records via TurboTax Online
If you used TurboTax Online, this is generally the quickest and easiest way to get your past returns.
Sub-heading: Logging In and Navigating to Your Tax Home
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Go to the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and go to
www.turbotax.com. Be sure to use the official site to protect your sensitive financial information.Sign In: Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner. Enter your user ID and password for the TurboTax account you used to file the return you need. If you've forgotten your credentials, look for the "Forgot user ID?" or "Forgot password?" links and follow the recovery steps.
Access Your Tax Home: Once logged in, you should be taken to your "Tax Home" or a similar dashboard. This is your central hub for all things TurboTax related to your account.
Sub-heading: Locating and Downloading Your Return
Scroll Down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents": On your Tax Home page, scroll down until you see a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar.
Select the Tax Year: You'll usually see a drop-down menu or a list of years. Select the specific tax year for which you need the record.
Download/Print Return (PDF): Once you've selected the year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "View PDF." Click on this to open a PDF version of your complete tax return.
Save or Print: Your browser will likely open the PDF in a new tab. From there, you can either:
Save the PDF to your computer for digital storage.
Print a physical copy for your records.
Pro Tip: If you don't see the year you're looking for, it's possible you used a different TurboTax account. Try logging in with any other email addresses or user IDs you might have used.
Step 3: Accessing Your Tax Records via TurboTax Desktop Software
If you used the CD or downloaded version of TurboTax, your tax files are stored directly on the computer where you prepared them.
Sub-heading: Locating the Tax File on Your Computer
Go to the Computer Used for Filing: You need to be on the exact computer where you prepared and saved your tax return using the TurboTax desktop software.
Navigate to Your Documents Folder: By default, TurboTax desktop software saves your tax files (with a
.taxextension, e.g.,My2023Return.tax2023) in your "Documents" folder, often within a "TurboTax" subfolder.For Windows users: Open "File Explorer" (the folder icon) and navigate to "Documents" -> "TurboTax" -> [Year of return, e.g., "2023"].
For Mac users: Open "Finder" and navigate to "Documents" -> "TurboTax" -> [Year of return, e.g., "2023"].
Locate the
.taxFile: Find the file with the.taxextension for the year you need. For example, for your 2023 tax return, you'd look for a file ending in.tax2023.
Sub-heading: Opening and Printing Your Return
Open the Tax File with TurboTax Software: Double-click the
.taxfile. This should automatically open the file in your installed TurboTax software for that specific tax year. If you don't have the software for that year installed, you might need to reinstall it (you can often download past year versions from the TurboTax website if you purchased them).Navigate to Print Center: Once the return is open in the TurboTax software, look for a "Print Center" or "Print" option. This is usually found in the "File" menu or as a dedicated button on the main interface.
Select Your Printing Options: In the print dialog, you'll typically have options to print:
Your official IRS copy.
A client copy (for your records).
Just specific forms. Select the option that provides the complete return for your records.
Print to PDF or Physical Printer: You can choose to:
Print to a PDF printer: This will create a digital PDF file of your return, which you can save anywhere on your computer. This is highly recommended for easy digital access.
Print to a physical printer: If you need a hard copy.
Important Note: If you no longer have the computer or the software, or the file is corrupted, you might need to request a transcript directly from the IRS (see Step 4).
Step 4: Requesting Tax Transcripts or Copies from the IRS (Alternative)
If for some reason you cannot access your tax records through TurboTax (e.g., lost account, corrupted files, return filed too long ago for TurboTax to retain), you can always go directly to the source: the IRS.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Sub-heading: Understanding IRS Transcripts vs. Copies
The IRS offers two main ways to get your tax information:
Tax Transcripts: These are summaries of your tax return information, wage and income statements, account information, and verification of non-filing. They are free and generally available for the current year and the past three prior years for tax return transcripts, and up to 10 years for tax account transcripts. They do not include copies of your actual tax forms or schedules.
Copies of Your Tax Return: This is an exact replica of your filed tax return, including all forms and schedules. The IRS charges a fee for each copy and it can take up to 75 calendar days to process. Copies are generally available for the past seven years.
Sub-heading: How to Request Transcripts (Free)
Online: The quickest way to get a transcript is through the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool. You'll need to verify your identity, which can sometimes be a detailed process.
Go to:
www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcriptFollow the prompts to create an account (if you don't have one) and verify your identity.
Once in, select "Tax Return Transcript" or "Tax Account Transcript" for the desired year.
By Mail: You can also request a transcript by mail.
Go to
www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506-tto download Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.Fill out the form completely, indicating the type of transcript and tax year you need.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address specified in the form instructions.
By Phone: You can call the IRS automated phone transcript service at 1-800-908-9946.
Sub-heading: How to Request Copies of Your Tax Return (Paid)
Download Form 4506: Go to
www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4506to download Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return.Complete the Form: Fill out all required information, including your name, SSN, and the tax year(s) you need.
Include Payment: As of the latest information, the IRS charges a fee for each copy of a tax return requested (currently $43 per return). Ensure you include the correct 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.
Be prepared for a waiting period if requesting copies by mail, as it can take several weeks for the IRS to process and mail them.
Step 5: Organizing and Storing Your Tax Records
Once you have your tax records, whether digital or physical, it's essential to store them securely and in an organized manner.
Sub-heading: Best Practices for Digital Storage
Create a Dedicated Folder: On your computer, create a clear folder structure like "Taxes" -> "2023" -> "Tax Return."
Rename Files Clearly: Name your PDF files descriptively, e.g., "LastName_FirstName_2023_Federal_Tax_Return.pdf".
Cloud Storage: Consider backing up your digital tax records to a secure cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) with strong password protection and two-factor authentication. This provides an off-site backup in case of computer failure.
Password Protect: If storing on a shared computer, consider password protecting the PDF files themselves (many PDF viewers allow this).
Sub-heading: Best Practices for Physical Storage
Dedicated Folder or Binder: Use a dedicated folder or binder for each tax year.
Secure Location: Store physical copies in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location, such as a home safe or a secure filing cabinet.
Shred Old Documents: Once the retention period has passed, shred any sensitive physical documents before discarding them.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about getting tax records, with quick answers:
How to access my TurboTax account if I forgot my User ID or Password?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and click on "Forgot user ID?" or "Forgot password?". Follow the on-screen prompts, which usually involve providing your email address or phone number for recovery.
How to find tax returns filed more than 7 years ago on TurboTax?
TurboTax Online typically retains returns for 7 years. If your return is older than that, you will likely need to request a transcript or a copy directly from the IRS using Form 4506-T (for transcripts) or Form 4506 (for copies).
How to get a tax return if I used the TurboTax desktop software and my computer crashed?
If you backed up your .tax file to an external drive or cloud storage, you can restore it. Otherwise, you will need to request a transcript or copy of your return directly from the IRS.
How to request a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
You can request a free tax transcript online via the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool (www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript), by mail using Form 4506-T, or by calling their automated phone service.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
How to get a physical copy of my tax return from the IRS?
You can request a physical copy of your tax return from the IRS by completing and mailing Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return," along with the required fee.
How to check the status of my tax transcript request from the IRS?
If you requested a transcript online, you can often check its status through your IRS online account. For mailed requests, there isn't a direct online tracking system; you'll typically just receive it in the mail.
How to ensure my downloaded TurboTax return is a complete copy?
When downloading from TurboTax Online, the "Download/print return (PDF)" option usually provides the complete return. For desktop software, ensure you select the "client copy" or "full return" option in the print menu.
How to save my TurboTax Online return as a data file (not just PDF)?
TurboTax Online typically saves your data within your account, from which you can download the PDF. There isn't usually an option to download the raw data file in a .tax format for online versions, as that format is for the desktop software.
How to get a tax record for a business filed with TurboTax Business?
Similar to personal returns, if you used TurboTax Business Online, you can log into your account and access returns. If you used the desktop version, the files would be on the computer where they were prepared.
How to find out which TurboTax account I used to file a specific year's return?
If you have multiple email addresses or phone numbers, try signing into TurboTax with each one. TurboTax will show you the tax years associated with each account, helping you pinpoint the correct one.
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