How To Get Old Tax Returns From Turbotax

How To Get Old Tax Returns From TurboTax: Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Life happens, and sometimes you suddenly need that tax return from three years ago. Maybe you're applying for a loan, refinancing your mortgage, or just dealing with an IRS inquiry. If you filed using TurboTax, don't panic! Finding those crucial documents doesn't have to be a headache.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly How To Get Old Tax Returns From TurboTax, whether you used the online version, the desktop software, or if you simply can't remember your login details. Let's dive in and retrieve those documents easily.

Method 1: Logging into Your TurboTax Account Online

If you used the TurboTax Online version (including Free, Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed online packages), your returns are securely stored on their servers. This is by far the easiest way to access your prior-year documents.

TurboTax keeps records for the past seven years, which is great news for most users. Just make sure you are logging into the exact same account you used to file previously.

Step-by-Step Guide for Online Retrieval

Follow these quick steps to locate and download your old returns:

1. Go to the Official TurboTax Website: Navigate to TurboTax.com and look for the "Sign In" button, usually located in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Enter Your Credentials: Use the User ID and Password associated with the tax year you filed. Remember, if you use Intuit products like QuickBooks or Credit Karma, your login is likely the same.
3. Access Your Tax Timeline: Once logged in, you should see a summary screen. Look for the "Tax Timeline" or "My Tax Documents" section.
4. Select the Relevant Year: Click on the specific tax year you need (e.g., 2021, 2022).
5. View and Download: You will see options to "View PDF" or "Download Tax File" for both your federal and state returns. Download the PDF version for printing or saving.

Keep in mind that if you only paid for the state filing but did your federal taxes elsewhere, only the state return will be stored under that specific year's filing details.

What if I Forgot My Login Credentials?

It's incredibly common to forget your password or even the User ID, especially if you only log in once a year. Thankfully, TurboTax (Intuit) has robust recovery tools.

If you are struggling to log in, click the "Forgot User ID or Password" link on the sign-in page. You will typically be prompted to enter your email address or phone number associated with the account. Intuit will then send you a recovery link or a one-time code.

If you suspect you used an entirely different email address, try any old addresses you might have used in previous years. Having access to your account is the fastest solution to How To Get Old Tax Returns From TurboTax.

Method 2: Using the TurboTax Desktop Software

Did you purchase the CD or the downloadable desktop software years ago? If so, your tax returns are not stored on TurboTax's servers. Instead, they are saved directly on the computer you used to prepare and file them.

This means your access depends entirely on your local file storage. If you still have the computer and the files are intact, you're in luck! You may need the corresponding year's TurboTax software installed to open the tax data file, but you can always find the PDF version without it.

Finding Saved Files on Your Computer

When you file using the desktop software, two critical files are generated: the data file and the PDF copy.

• The Data File: This is the file you would open inside the TurboTax program to make changes. It typically ends with the extension .tax20XX (e.g., .tax2023).
• The PDF Copy: This is the finalized, printable version of your return. This is the file you usually need for loans or documentation.

To find these files, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and look for the file extensions or for a common file name like "20XX Federal Return."

Common locations where TurboTax saves files include:

• My Documents/TurboTax
• Desktop
• Documents/20XX Taxes

If you kept your original files organized, this search will be quick. If not, it might take some digging through various backup drives or folders.

Tips for Organizing Your Digital Tax Records

To prevent future issues when trying to How To Get Old Tax Returns From TurboTax, set up a simple system right now. Organization is key for long-term financial health.

When you save your documents, follow these best practices:

1. Create one main folder named "Taxes" on your computer.
2. Inside "Taxes," create subfolders labeled by the tax year (e.g., "2023 Tax Year").
3. Save the final PDF (both federal and state) and the .tax20XX data file into the appropriate annual folder.
4. Back up the entire "Taxes" folder to a cloud service (like Dropbox or Google Drive) or an external hard drive for redundancy.

Method 3: Requesting Returns Directly from the IRS

What if you filed online but can't access your old TurboTax account, or you lost the computer that held your desktop files? Don't worry, there is a reliable alternative: going straight to the source—the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The IRS maintains records of all filed returns, and they offer a couple of easy ways to request copies or transcripts.

Understanding Transcripts vs. Copies

Before you request documents, you should know the difference between a transcript and a full copy:

• Tax Transcript (Free): This is an abbreviated summary of your tax return, focusing on key line items like Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), taxable income, and payments. Most lenders and government agencies will accept a transcript.
• Full Tax Return Copy (Fee Required): This is an exact, line-by-line duplicate of the return you filed, including all schedules and forms (Form 1040, Schedule C, etc.). The IRS charges a fee per tax year for this service, and it takes longer to process.

How to Request an IRS Transcript

The fastest and easiest way is online:

1. Visit the IRS Get Transcript Online tool.
2. Verify your identity (you will need specific information like a credit card number, loan number, or cell phone account number associated with your name).
3. Once verified, you can download a transcript instantly.

If you need the full, exact copy of the return you filed, you must use Form 4506. You will need to mail this form in and pay the required fee per return. This is typically only necessary if a transcript won't suffice.

Conclusion

Whether you need documents for a mortgage application or just want to confirm details for your current filing, knowing How To Get Old Tax Returns From TurboTax is a valuable skill. In most cases, logging into your online TurboTax account is the simplest path to retrieve the last seven years of documents.

If you used the desktop software, a quick search of your hard drive for the PDF files is the solution. And if all else fails, the IRS Get Transcript tool provides a fast, free backup. Take a deep breath—your old tax returns are almost certainly within reach!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get old tax returns if I used the free version of TurboTax?

Yes, as long as you filed through their online platform, your return is stored in your account history, regardless of whether you paid for the product or used the free edition. You must log in using the exact same User ID.

How far back can I retrieve my tax returns from TurboTax?

TurboTax generally maintains access to your filed tax returns for the previous seven tax years through your online account. For older records, you will need to request transcripts or copies directly from the IRS.

Do I have to pay to get old tax returns from TurboTax?

If you retrieve the returns yourself by logging into your existing TurboTax account or locating the files on your computer, there is no charge. However, if you request a full copy of a filed return directly from the IRS using Form 4506, there is a fee per tax year.

I moved and changed my email. How can I recover my TurboTax account?

If you know your old email or phone number associated with the account, use the "Forgot User ID or Password" link to initiate recovery. If you cannot recover the account, your only option may be to use the IRS Get Transcript Service as outlined in Method 3.

How To Get Old Tax Returns From Turbotax

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