It's that time of year again, and if you're like many, the thought of tackling your taxes can feel a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, TurboTax is designed to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way. Whether you're a seasoned filer or it's your very first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to start a new return on TurboTax for the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025). Let's dive in and make tax season a breeze!
How to Start a New Return on TurboTax: Your Complete Guide
TurboTax offers various options, including online versions and desktop software. While the core process of starting a new return is similar, there might be slight variations in the interface. This guide will focus primarily on the online version, which is the most common for individual filers.
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| How To Start A New Return On Turbotax |
Step 1: Choosing Your TurboTax Product and Accessing the Platform
Before you even think about numbers, you need to decide which TurboTax product is right for you. Have you already purchased a version or are you starting fresh?
Sub-heading: Determining Your Needs
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Simple Taxes: If your tax situation is straightforward (e.g., W-2 income, standard deduction, no dependents), the TurboTax Free Edition might be perfect for you.
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More Complex Situations: If you have investments, self-employment income, rental properties, or want to itemize deductions, you'll likely need one of their paid editions (Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, etc.). TurboTax will often guide you to the appropriate product as you input your information.
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Desktop Software vs. Online:
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TurboTax Online offers flexibility – access your return from any device with internet. No installation needed.
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TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) allows you to work offline and typically includes up to 5 federal e-files. It's often preferred by those preparing multiple returns for family members.
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Once you've made your choice, navigate to the official TurboTax website.
Sub-heading: Logging In or Creating a New Account
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If you're a returning TurboTax user, simply click "Sign In" and enter your existing user ID and password.
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If you're new to TurboTax, you'll need to "Create an Account." This usually involves:
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Providing your email address.
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Creating a strong password.
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Setting up a user ID.
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Answering a few security questions.
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Remember: Keep your login credentials secure!
Step 2: Initiating Your New Tax Return
Once you're logged in, the process to start a new return is typically very intuitive.
Sub-heading: For First-Time Users or New Tax Year
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
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If this is your first time using TurboTax or you're starting a return for a new tax year, the system will usually prompt you directly to begin. Look for a button or link that says something like "Start a new return," "File your taxes," or "Get Started."
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TurboTax is usually designed to automatically start you on the current tax year's return (e.g., for taxes filed in 2025, it will be for the 2024 tax year).
Sub-heading: For Desktop Software Users (Creating a Brand New File)
If you're using the TurboTax Desktop software, the process for starting a new return is slightly different than online:
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Open your TurboTax Desktop application.
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Go to the File menu at the top of the screen.
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Select "New Tax Return." This will create a fresh, blank tax file for you to begin working on.
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Pro Tip: If you're saving a copy of a previous year's return or creating a hypothetical scenario, you can use "File" > "Save As" to save your current return under a different name, then clear the data to start fresh. This is helpful for planning or testing different tax scenarios without affecting your primary return.
Step 3: Personal Information and Basic Setup
This is where TurboTax starts getting to know you. The more accurately you answer these initial questions, the better TurboTax can tailor the experience and identify relevant deductions and credits.
Sub-heading: Your Personal Details
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You'll be asked to input your basic personal information, including:
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Your Social Security Number (SSN).
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Your date of birth.
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Your occupation.
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Your address.
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Whether you lived in the same place all year.
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Sub-heading: Filing Status
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This is a critical step as your filing status determines your standard deduction amount and which tax brackets apply. TurboTax will ask questions to help you determine your correct status:
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Single
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Married Filing Jointly
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Married Filing Separately
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Head of Household
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Qualifying Widow(er)
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Pay close attention to the definitions, especially for Head of Household, as it can offer significant tax advantages if you qualify.
Sub-heading: Dependents
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If you have dependents, TurboTax will guide you through adding their information, including their SSN and relationship to you. This is crucial for claiming credits like the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents.
Step 4: Importing or Entering Income Information
Now the real work begins! This is where you tell TurboTax about all the money you earned throughout the year.
Sub-heading: Importing Your W-2s and Other Forms
Tip: Don’t overthink — just keep reading.
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TurboTax offers an incredibly convenient feature to import your W-2s directly from many employers. You'll usually be prompted to search for your employer and enter information from your pay stub or a unique code.
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You might also be able to import 1099 forms (for interest, dividends, self-employment income, etc.) from participating financial institutions. This saves a lot of time and helps prevent data entry errors.
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Always review the imported information against your physical or digital forms to ensure accuracy.
Sub-heading: Manual Entry of Income
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If your forms cannot be imported, or if you have other sources of income not reported on standard forms, you'll enter the information manually. TurboTax categorizes income types, so you'll go through sections like:
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Wages & Salaries (for your W-2s)
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Interest & Dividends (for 1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
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Business Income (for Schedule C, if you're self-employed)
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Capital Gains & Losses (for stock sales, 1099-B)
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Retirement Income (for pensions, annuities, IRA distributions, 1099-R)
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Other Income (for anything else, like gambling winnings, alimony received, etc.)
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Step 5: Deductions and Credits
This is where you can reduce your taxable income or directly lower your tax bill. TurboTax excels at prompting you for these opportunities.
Sub-heading: Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions
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TurboTax will help you determine whether taking the standard deduction (a fixed amount based on your filing status) or itemizing your deductions (listing specific eligible expenses) will result in a larger tax break.
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Common itemized deductions include:
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State and local taxes (SALT)
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Mortgage interest
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Charitable contributions
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Medical expenses (above a certain AGI threshold)
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Sub-heading: Identifying Tax Credits
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Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax liability, making them incredibly valuable. TurboTax will ask questions to identify if you qualify for various credits, such as:
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Child Tax Credit (CTC)
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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
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Education Credits (American Opportunity, Lifetime Learning)
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Child and Dependent Care Credit
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Residential Energy Credits
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Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver's Credit)
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Step 6: Review and File
Once you've entered all your information, TurboTax takes over to compile your return.
Sub-heading: The "CompleteCheck" Feature
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TurboTax's CompleteCheck™ (or similar review tools) will scan your entire return for errors, missed deductions, and potential audit triggers. Pay attention to any warnings or suggestions it provides. This is your chance to correct mistakes before filing.
Sub-heading: State Taxes
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After completing your federal return, TurboTax will seamlessly transition you to your state tax return, if applicable. Much of the information will transfer automatically, saving you time.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Sub-heading: Choosing Your Filing Method
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E-file (Electronic Filing): This is the fastest and most secure way to file. TurboTax will guide you through the electronic submission process for both federal and state returns. You'll typically receive confirmation emails when your return is accepted by the IRS and your state.
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Mail a Paper Return: While less common now, you can also print your return and mail it. TurboTax will provide the correct mailing addresses.
Sub-heading: Payment and Refund Options
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If you're due a refund, you can typically choose:
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Direct deposit to your bank account (fastest).
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A physical check mailed to you.
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Applying your refund to next year's taxes.
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Purchasing U.S. Savings Bonds.
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If you owe taxes, you'll have options to pay:
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Direct debit from your bank account.
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Paying by credit card (may incur a processing fee).
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Mailing a check.
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Setting up an installment agreement with the IRS if you can't pay the full amount.
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Step 7: Confirmation and Record Keeping
Congratulations, you've filed! But the process isn't quite over.
Sub-heading: Saving Your Return
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Once your return is filed (or printed, if mailing), save a copy for your records. TurboTax allows you to download a PDF version of your complete return. It's wise to save it to your computer and/or a cloud storage service.
Sub-heading: Keeping Supporting Documents
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Even after filing, keep all your supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, etc.) in a safe place for at least three years from the date you filed your original return or the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. This is crucial in case of an audit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to starting a new return on TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to: Start a new return in TurboTax if I already filed last year?
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Log in to your TurboTax account. For the online version, it will typically prompt you to start a new return for the current tax year, often offering to import your prior year's data. For desktop, choose "New Tax Return" from the "File" menu.
How to: Switch to a different TurboTax product if I realize my tax situation is more complex?
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
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TurboTax Online usually allows you to upgrade your product seamlessly. As you enter more complex information, it might suggest an upgrade, and any data you've already entered will transfer automatically.
How to: Import my W-2 into TurboTax?
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Within the income section, look for the option to "Import my W-2." You'll typically need your employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number) or a specific code from your W-2. Follow the on-screen prompts.
How to: Add a state tax return after completing my federal return?
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After you finish and review your federal return, TurboTax will generally guide you directly to the state section. If not, look for a "State" tab or section within the navigation.
How to: Go back and make changes to my return after I've started it?
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In TurboTax Online, you can typically navigate back to any section using the left-hand menu or by clicking "Back" buttons. In desktop software, you can freely move between sections.
How to: Know which filing status is right for me?
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TurboTax will ask you a series of questions about your marital status, dependents, and living situation to help you determine the most advantageous filing status. Answer these questions accurately.
How to: Get my tax refund as quickly as possible?
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Choose to e-file your federal and state returns and select direct deposit for your refund. This is generally the fastest method, with refunds often arriving within 21 days of IRS acceptance.
How to: Pay my TurboTax fees if I don't have a credit card?
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You often have the option to pay your TurboTax fees directly from your federal tax refund, though an additional processing fee may apply for this service.
How to: Get help if I'm stuck while working on my return?
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TurboTax offers various help options, including an extensive FAQ database, a community forum, and the option to upgrade to TurboTax Live for live expert assistance or a full expert review.
How to: Start a new return for someone else (e.g., a family member) using TurboTax Online?
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If using TurboTax Online, each individual needs their own separate TurboTax account with a unique user ID and password. You can use the same email address for up to 5 different accounts. If using desktop software, you can simply select "New Tax Return" from the File menu to start a separate return.
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