How to Find Last Year’s Tax Return on TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing track of your tax return? Don’t fret! Accessing your previous year’s tax return on TurboTax is generally a straightforward process, provided you used their online platform. The process involves logging into your account, navigating to the Tax Home section, and downloading the return. Let’s dive into the specifics and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you retrieve your crucial tax information without a hitch.

Accessing Your Previous Tax Returns on TurboTax

Finding your prior year’s tax return within TurboTax relies primarily on whether you used the online version or the desktop software. The steps are quite different, so let’s break them down.

Online Version: A Few Clicks Away

If you filed your taxes using TurboTax Online, retrieving your return is usually a breeze:

1. Log In: Head to the TurboTax website and log in to your account using your username and password. Make sure you’re using the same login credentials you used to file last year.

2. Navigate to Tax Home: Once logged in, you’ll typically be directed to your Tax Home screen or a similar dashboard. If not, look for a link labeled “Tax Home” or a similar term in the menu.

3. Locate Prior Year Returns: Within the Tax Home section, you should find options related to previous years’ returns. This may be labeled as “Your Tax Returns & Documents,” “Prior Year Returns,” or something similar. It may also be under a tab labelled “Documents.”

4. Download Your Return: Select the tax year you need (e.g., “2022 Tax Return”). You’ll then typically have options to download your return as a PDF file or view it online. Choose the download option to save a copy to your computer. You may have the choice of downloading the tax return only, or the tax return and all worksheets. It is best to download both.

Desktop Software: Accessing Your Tax Data File

If you used the TurboTax Desktop software, your tax return is stored locally on your computer. You’ll need to locate the tax data file (.tax2022, .tax2021, etc., depending on the tax year).

1. Locate the Data File: The location of the data file depends on where you saved it. The default location is usually within the TurboTax program directory or in your “Documents” folder. Use your computer’s search function to find files with the appropriate “.tax[year]” extension (e.g., “.tax2022” for the 2022 tax year).

2. Open with TurboTax: Once you’ve found the file, double-click it to open it with the TurboTax software. If you don’t have the software installed, you’ll need to reinstall it from your installation disc or download it from the TurboTax website (you may need to purchase a license for the appropriate tax year).

3. Print or Save as PDF: Once the return is open in TurboTax, you can print it or save it as a PDF file for your records. Look for the “File” menu, then select “Print” or “Save as PDF.”

What if I Can’t Find My Return?

If you’re struggling to locate your return, consider the following:

• Double-check your login credentials: Ensure you’re using the correct username and password. If you’ve forgotten them, use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links on the TurboTax login page.
• Check other TurboTax accounts: If you have multiple email addresses, you might have accidentally created multiple TurboTax accounts. Try logging in with each email address.
• Contact TurboTax Support: If all else fails, contact TurboTax’s customer support. They can help you locate your return or provide further assistance. Have your Social Security number and other identifying information ready to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to finding and accessing your tax returns on TurboTax:

1. How far back can I access my tax returns on TurboTax Online?

Generally, TurboTax allows you to access your tax returns for the past seven years if you used their online version. This is subject to change, so it’s always best to download and save your returns locally for permanent access.

2. I forgot my TurboTax login information. What should I do?

Click on the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links on the TurboTax login page. You’ll be prompted to answer security questions or provide information to verify your identity and reset your credentials. Make sure you remember the answers to these questions and keep them stored somewhere safe.

3. I used the TurboTax CD/Download version. Can I still access my return online?

No, if you used the CD/Download version, your return is stored locally on your computer, not on the TurboTax website. You’ll need to find the data file on your computer to access it, as outlined earlier. You may also need to reinstall the TurboTax software from the appropriate tax year.

4. Can I amend my tax return using a PDF copy from TurboTax?

While you can review the PDF copy, you’ll need to use the TurboTax software (online or desktop) for the year you’re amending to properly file an amended return. The PDF is for reference only.

5. Is there a fee to access my prior year tax returns on TurboTax?

Accessing prior year tax returns on TurboTax Online is usually free. However, if you need to reinstall and use the desktop software for a prior year, you may need to purchase a license for that specific tax year.

6. How do I download my tax return as a PDF from TurboTax?

After logging into your TurboTax account and navigating to your prior year returns, there should be a prominent “Download PDF” or similar button next to the tax year you want to download. Click this button to save the return to your computer.

7. I can’t find the .tax file on my computer. What should I do?

Use your computer’s search function and search for “.tax2022” (replace 2022 with the appropriate tax year). Ensure that hidden files and folders are visible in your file explorer settings. If you still can’t find it, it’s possible the file was accidentally deleted.

8. What if I need a tax return older than seven years that’s not on TurboTax?

You can request a tax transcript from the IRS. A tax transcript summarizes your tax information and can be used for many purposes. You can request a transcript online through the IRS website or by mail.

9. My TurboTax account is locked. How do I unlock it?

Contact TurboTax customer support. They will guide you through the process of verifying your identity and unlocking your account. This typically involves answering security questions or providing documentation.

10. Can I use my prior year TurboTax return to pre-fill information for my current year return?

Yes, if you used TurboTax Online last year, the software can typically import your information to pre-fill your current year return. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors. Follow the prompts within the software to import your prior year data.

11. How can I be sure the downloaded PDF is authentic and hasn’t been tampered with?

The PDF downloaded directly from TurboTax is generally considered authentic. For extra security, you can compare it to any physical copies you may have kept. If you are still concerned, compare it to a transcript obtained directly from the IRS.

12. What is the difference between a “tax return” and a “tax transcript” from the IRS?

A tax return is the original document you filed with the IRS, containing all the detailed information about your income, deductions, and credits. A tax transcript is a summary of key information from your tax return, provided by the IRS. It is often sufficient for verifying income or tax filing status, but may not include all the details of the original return.