Life happens, right? You start your tax return on TurboTax, get partway through, and then something changes. Maybe you realized you selected the wrong product, or perhaps your financial situation took an unexpected turn. Whatever the reason, you're now wondering: How do I delete this "return in progress" and start fresh? You're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, whether you're using TurboTax Online or the Desktop software.
Let's dive in!
Understanding the "In Progress" Status
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of deletion, it's important to understand what "in progress" really means for TurboTax. Essentially, it means you've started entering information, but you haven't yet paid for the software (if applicable) or officially filed your return with the IRS/state. This is crucial because if you've already paid or filed, the process changes significantly, and outright deletion might not be an option.
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| How To Delete A Turbotax Return In Progress |
Key Considerations Before Deleting
Have you paid for the TurboTax product? If you have, especially for online versions, directly deleting might not be possible, or you might need to contact customer support for a refund/resolution.
Have you filed your return? If you've already e-filed and it's been accepted (or even is pending), you cannot simply "delete" it. You would need to amend your return.
Are you deleting a Federal or State return? The process can be slightly different.
Are you using TurboTax Online or Desktop software? The steps vary depending on the platform.
Deleting a TurboTax Return in Progress: Step-by-Step Guide
The method for deleting a return in progress largely depends on whether you're using the online version or the desktop software. We'll cover both.
For TurboTax Online Users
This is the most common scenario, and thankfully, it's usually quite straightforward as long as you haven't paid or filed.
QuickTip: Look for repeated words — they signal importance.
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account
First things first, let's get you logged in.
Head to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Sign In: Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner. Enter your User ID and Password. If you've forgotten them, use the "Forgot User ID or Password?" link to recover your credentials.
Don't worry if it takes a moment to load; TurboTax is accessing your saved information.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Returns List
Once logged in, you'll typically land on a "Welcome back" screen or a dashboard showing your current tax year.
Locate "Tax Tools": On the left-hand side menu, look for an option that says "Tax Tools" or simply "Tools". You might need to click on a menu icon (often three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner if you don't see the full menu immediately, especially on smaller screens.
Select "Clear & Start Over": Under "Tax Tools," you should see an option like "Clear & Start Over". This is your golden ticket if you want to completely erase the current return you're working on and begin anew.
Sometimes, if you have multiple returns in your account, you'll need to go to "View All Tax Returns" first to see a list with delete options.
Step 3: Confirm the Deletion
Acknowledge the Warning: TurboTax will typically present a pop-up window asking you to confirm your decision. This message usually states that all data entered for that specific return will be deleted.
Click "Yes" or "Clear and Start Over": Confirm that you want to proceed. Once you click this, all your entered data for that specific return will be erased. You'll be taken back to the beginning of the filing process as if you were starting for the very first time.
Be absolutely sure this is what you want to do, as this action is generally irreversible!
Sub-heading: What if "Clear & Start Over" Isn't Visible or You Have Multiple Returns?
If you don't see "Clear & Start Over" or if you have several returns in your account and want to delete a specific other return:
Go to "My Returns": From the left-side menu, look for "My Returns" or "Tax Home."
View All Tax Returns: On the "My Returns" screen, you might see an option to "View All Tax Returns." Click this.
Locate the Trash Can Icon: You should now see a list of your returns. Next to each unfinished return (that hasn't been paid for or filed), there should be a small trash can icon or a "Delete" option.
Click and Confirm: Click the trash can icon next to the return you wish to delete and confirm your choice in the pop-up.
If there's no trash can icon next to the return you want to delete, it usually means that return is currently "active." To delete it, you might need to "open" another return in your list (even if it's a blank one you quickly start) and then go back to "My Returns." This often makes the trash can icon appear for the previously active return.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
Deleting a return in the desktop version is different as the files are stored directly on your computer.
Step 1: Close TurboTax (Important!)
Exit the Program: Before attempting to delete any files, completely close the TurboTax desktop application. This ensures that the program isn't actively using the file you intend to delete, preventing errors.
Do not skip this step!
Step 2: Locate the Tax File on Your Computer
TurboTax desktop versions save your tax files with a specific extension, usually .taxYEAR (e.g., .tax2024 for the 2024 tax year).
Default Location: By default, TurboTax files are saved in your Documents folder, often within a subfolder named "TurboTax". So, navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\TurboTax(for Windows)/Users/[Your Username]/Documents/TurboTax(for Mac)
Search Your Computer: If you can't find it in the default location, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for files ending with
*.taxYEAR(e.g.,*.tax2024).You might also see associated PDF files or temporary files (often starting with a tilde
~or having a.tmpextension). While not strictly necessary to delete these immediately, they will become redundant once the main.taxfile is gone.
Step 3: Delete the Tax File
Once you've located the .tax file you want to delete:
Right-Click and Delete: Right-click on the file and select "Delete" or drag it to your Recycle Bin/Trash.
Confirm Deletion: Your operating system will ask you to confirm if you want to move the file to the Recycle Bin/Trash. Confirm this action.
Empty Recycle Bin/Trash (Optional but Recommended): To permanently remove the file from your system, go to your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) and empty it.
This action is permanent once the Recycle Bin/Trash is emptied. Make sure you're deleting the correct file!
Step 4: Restart TurboTax (Optional)
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
Launch TurboTax: You can now re-open the TurboTax desktop application.
Verify Deletion: The deleted return should no longer appear in the list of recent files or available returns within the TurboTax program. You can then start a new return if needed.
Important Notes for Both Online and Desktop Users
Paid Returns: If you've already paid for your TurboTax Online return but haven't filed, deleting it is generally not an option through the self-service tools. You would need to contact TurboTax customer support directly to discuss your options, which might involve a refund or applying the payment to a new return.
Filed Returns: If your return has been filed and accepted by the IRS or state, you cannot delete it. Instead, you'll need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal) to correct any errors. TurboTax can guide you through this process for the current or previous tax years, but it's a separate procedure from simply deleting an in-progress return.
Free Edition: For the TurboTax Free Edition, you generally have the "Clear and Start Over" option available until you've e-filed or registered it.
Multiple Accounts: If you created multiple TurboTax accounts, ensure you're logged into the correct one before attempting to delete any returns. You cannot delete accounts, only returns within them.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
"No Trash Can Icon": As mentioned, if the trash can isn't there, it might be because that return is currently "active." Start a new, blank return, then go back to "My Returns" – the trash can should now appear next to the old return.
"Error Deleting File" (Desktop): Ensure TurboTax is completely closed. Sometimes, background processes can keep a file locked. Restarting your computer can often resolve this.
Accidental Deletion: If you accidentally delete a return you actually needed (and haven't emptied your Recycle Bin/Trash), you might be able to restore it from there. If the Recycle Bin/Trash is emptied, recovery might be difficult or impossible without data recovery software. Always double-check before confirming deletion!
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about managing your TurboTax returns, particularly those in progress:
How to: Clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
Answer: Sign in to your TurboTax Online account. On the left-side menu, select "Tax Tools," then "Clear & Start Over." Confirm your decision in the pop-up window.
How to: Delete a specific state return in TurboTax Online?
Answer: While working on your federal return, navigate to the "State Taxes" section. You should see a list of your added state returns. Look for a trash can icon or a "Delete" button next to the state return you wish to remove and click it.
QuickTip: Look for patterns as you read.
How to: Delete a specific federal return in TurboTax Desktop?
Answer: Close the TurboTax desktop program. Go to your computer's Documents > TurboTax folder (or wherever you saved your tax files). Locate the
.taxYEARfile for the federal return you want to delete, right-click it, and select "Delete."
How to: Get a refund if I deleted my TurboTax return after paying?
Answer: If you've paid for a TurboTax Online return and then deleted it (or wish to delete it), you generally need to contact TurboTax customer support directly to inquire about a refund or credit towards a new return. Self-service deletion typically isn't available for paid returns.
How to: Recover a deleted TurboTax return file (Desktop)?
Answer: If you haven't emptied your computer's Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac) after deleting the
.taxfile, you can often restore it from there. Right-click the file in the Recycle Bin/Trash and select "Restore."
How to: Know if my TurboTax return has been filed or not?
Answer: In TurboTax Online, your "Tax Home" or dashboard will show the status of your return (e.g., "In Progress," "Ready to File," "Filed," "Accepted," "Rejected"). For desktop, you'd typically see a confirmation screen after e-filing, and you can check your e-file status directly on the TurboTax website using your SSN.
How to: Start a brand new tax return in TurboTax Desktop?
Answer: Open the TurboTax desktop program. On the initial screen, you should see an option like "Start a New Return" or "File" > "New Tax Return" in the top menu. This will open a fresh, blank return.
How to: Delete an old, completed TurboTax return from my account history?
Answer: TurboTax generally retains copies of your filed returns for your records and compliance. You typically cannot delete filed returns from your TurboTax account history, as they are required to be stored.
How to: Amend a TurboTax return I already filed instead of deleting it?
Answer: If your return has already been filed and accepted, you need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal). In TurboTax, go to your completed return and look for an option to "Amend my return" or "Make changes to a return already filed."
How to: Contact TurboTax customer service for assistance with deleting a return?
Answer: You can usually find TurboTax customer service contact information on their official support pages. Look for "Contact Us" or "Support" links on the TurboTax website. They often provide phone numbers or chat options for specific issues, including billing or return management.
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