How to Access Your Past Tax Returns from TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you need to access your previous tax returns filed with TurboTax? No problem. TurboTax retains your tax returns for several years, and accessing them is generally a straightforward process through your online account or, if necessary, by contacting customer support. This article dives deep into how to retrieve those vital documents and answers all the frequently asked questions surrounding the process.
Accessing Your TurboTax Returns: A Step-by-Step Guide
The primary method for accessing your previous tax returns from TurboTax is through your online account. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Log in to your TurboTax account: Visit the TurboTax website and log in using the username and password you used when filing your taxes. If you’ve forgotten your login credentials, use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links to recover them. This is a crucial first step, so ensure you have the correct login details.
Navigate to the “Tax Home” or “Your Returns & Documents” section: Once logged in, look for a section labeled “Tax Home,” “Your Returns & Documents,” or something similar. The exact wording may vary depending on the year and version of TurboTax you used. This is typically the central hub for all your tax-related information.
Select the relevant tax year: You should see a list of tax years for which you filed returns using TurboTax. Choose the tax year you need. You might have to scroll through several years if you’ve been a long-time TurboTax user.
Download or print your tax return: Once you’ve selected the tax year, you should see options to “Download/Print Return (PDF)” or similar. Click this option to download a PDF copy of your complete tax return. You can then save it to your computer or print it for your records. This is the most common way to access your returns.
Consider amended returns: If you filed an amended return for a specific year, ensure you download the amended return as well. This will provide the most accurate reflection of your final tax liability.
What if I Can’t Access My Online Account?
If you’re unable to access your online account due to a forgotten password, changed email address, or other issues, you’ll need to contact TurboTax customer support. They can help you recover your account or provide alternative methods for accessing your tax returns. Be prepared to verify your identity to protect your privacy.
Important Considerations
Data Retention Policy: TurboTax typically retains your tax returns for several years, but there’s no guarantee that older returns will always be available. The length of time TurboTax stores your returns may change over time, and it’s best practice to download and save copies for your own records.
Software Version: The method for accessing your tax returns may vary slightly depending on the version of TurboTax you used (e.g., online, desktop). The steps outlined above are primarily for the online version. If you used the desktop version, your returns are stored locally on your computer, and you’ll need to locate the files on your hard drive.
Security: Always download your tax returns on a secure network and store them in a safe location on your computer. Consider password-protecting the PDF file or storing it in an encrypted folder to prevent unauthorized access.
IRS Records: If you cannot retrieve your tax returns from TurboTax, you can request a transcript of your tax return from the IRS. This is a summary of your tax information, although it doesn’t include all the details of your original return. You can request a transcript online, by phone, or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions people have about accessing their previous tax returns from TurboTax:
FAQ 1: How far back can I access my tax returns on TurboTax?
TurboTax typically stores your tax returns for at least seven years. However, it’s best to download and save your returns each year as a precaution. Data retention policies can change.
FAQ 2: I forgot my TurboTax username and password. What should I do?
Use the “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password” links on the TurboTax login page to recover your credentials. You’ll likely need to provide some personal information to verify your identity.
FAQ 3: I no longer have access to the email address associated with my TurboTax account. What can I do?
Contact TurboTax customer support immediately. They will guide you through the process of updating your email address and verifying your identity.
FAQ 4: Can I access my tax returns from the TurboTax mobile app?
Yes, the TurboTax mobile app allows you to access your previous tax returns, provided you’re logged in with the same account you used to file them. The navigation will be similar to the online version.
FAQ 5: What if I used the TurboTax desktop version? Where are my returns stored?
If you used the desktop version, your tax returns are stored locally on your computer. Look for files with a “.tax” extension in the folder where you saved your TurboTax data. The default location is often in your “Documents” folder, inside a TurboTax folder.
FAQ 6: Can I request a copy of my tax return from TurboTax if I can’t access my account?
Yes, but you’ll need to contact TurboTax customer support and provide proof of identity. They can help you retrieve your tax returns through alternative methods.
FAQ 7: Is there a fee to access my previous tax returns on TurboTax?
Generally, accessing your tax returns that are stored in your TurboTax account is free. However, if you need assistance from TurboTax customer support beyond basic account recovery, there may be fees involved, depending on the nature of your request.
FAQ 8: What if I need a tax return that is older than what TurboTax has available?
You can request a transcript of your tax return from the IRS. This is a summary of your tax information. For a complete copy of your return, you’ll need to file Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return, and pay a fee.
FAQ 9: How long does it take to get a tax transcript from the IRS?
The IRS offers several ways to request a tax transcript. Online requests are typically processed within minutes. Requests by mail can take 5-10 business days.
FAQ 10: What information do I need to provide to TurboTax or the IRS to request my tax returns?
You’ll generally need to provide your name, Social Security number, date of birth, address, and the tax year for which you need the return. For TurboTax, you’ll also need your account username or email address.
FAQ 11: Can my accountant or tax preparer access my TurboTax returns?
Only if they have your TurboTax login credentials. It is best to download the return and share it with them, instead of giving them your login information for security purposes. You can give them the PDF copy of your return.
FAQ 12: What if I filed a joint return with my spouse and we are now divorced? Can we both access the tax return through TurboTax?
Both individuals who filed the joint return can access it using the same TurboTax account that was used to file the return. If only one person has access to the account, they would need to obtain the return and share it with the other party. The IRS can also provide transcripts to either party.
By following these steps and understanding the relevant FAQs, you should be well-equipped to access your previous tax returns from TurboTax. Remember to always prioritize security and keep copies of your tax returns for your own records.
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