You've hit a common road bump with TurboTax! Sometimes you just need to wipe the slate clean and start fresh, whether you made a mistake, changed your mind, or just want to explore different scenarios. Don't worry, restarting in TurboTax is absolutely possible, and I'm here to guide you through it step-by-step.
Let's dive in!
So, you want to restart in TurboTax? Let's figure out which version you're using first!
Are you using:
TurboTax Online (you access it through a web browser)?
TurboTax Desktop (you installed it on your computer as a program)?
The process is slightly different for each, so identifying your version is our crucial first step.
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| How To Restart In Turbotax |
Step 1: Identify Your TurboTax Version
Before we proceed, take a moment to confirm if you're using TurboTax Online or TurboTax Desktop. This is the most important distinction to make, as the steps vary significantly.
TurboTax Online: You log in through a website (e.g., turbotax.intuit.com).
TurboTax Desktop: You launch a program from your computer's applications or start menu.
Once you've confirmed your version, proceed to the relevant section below.
Step 2: How to Restart Your Return in TurboTax Online
If you're using the online version of TurboTax, restarting your return generally involves clearing your existing return data. Be aware that this will delete all the information you've entered so far.
Sub-Step 2.1: Clearing Your Return in TurboTax Online
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
Log In: Go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and log in to your account.
Access Your Tax Home: Once logged in, you should be on your "Tax Home" or a similar dashboard page.
Look for "Clear & Start Over" or "Delete Form":
For most users, especially if you haven't paid or filed yet, you'll often see an option like "Clear & Start Over" or "Start Over" somewhere on your screen. This is typically located near the bottom of the page or within a menu option. Keep an eye out for links that might be small or easily missed.
If you can't find "Clear & Start Over," you might need to go into a specific section, like "Tax Tools" or "Tools" (usually found in the left-hand menu or a dropdown).
Within "Tax Tools" or "Tools," look for an option like "Clear & Start Over" or "Delete a form and start over." If it's "Delete a form," you might need to delete all the forms you've created to effectively start fresh.
Confirm the Deletion: TurboTax will usually ask you to confirm that you want to clear your return. Read the warning carefully, as this action is usually irreversible.
Start Anew: Once confirmed, your return should be reset, and you can begin entering your information from scratch.
Sub-Step 2.2: Important Considerations for TurboTax Online
Saving Your Work: Before you clear everything, consider if there's any information you might want to salvage or remember. You can always take screenshots or jot down key figures.
Paid vs. Unpaid: If you've already paid for your TurboTax Online product, clearing your return usually does not refund your money. You've paid for access to the software, not the specific data you entered.
Changing Products: If you're trying to switch from one TurboTax Online product to another (e.g., Free to Deluxe), sometimes clearing your return is necessary.
Step 3: How to Restart Your Return in TurboTax Desktop
Restarting in TurboTax Desktop involves either deleting the existing tax file or creating a new one. This method is generally more straightforward as you're dealing with files on your own computer.
Sub-Step 3.1: Starting a Completely New Return
This is the easiest and most common way to "restart" in TurboTax Desktop.
Open TurboTax Desktop: Launch the TurboTax program on your computer.
Go to "File" Menu: In the top menu bar, click on "File."
Select "New Tax Return": From the dropdown menu, choose "New Tax Return" (or similar wording like "Start New Return").
Save Your Old Return (Optional but Recommended): TurboTax will likely prompt you to save your current open return before starting a new one. It's highly recommended to save it with a distinct name (e.g., "My2024TaxReturn_OldAttempt.tax") in case you need to refer back to it. This doesn't delete it, it just creates a separate file.
Begin Fresh: A brand new, empty tax return will open, and you can start entering your information from the beginning.
Sub-Step 3.2: Deleting an Existing Tax File (Use with Caution!)
While starting a new return is generally preferred, you can manually delete a tax file if you're absolutely sure you want to get rid of it. Proceed with extreme caution, as deleted files are often unrecoverable from your recycle bin.
Close TurboTax: Make sure the TurboTax program is completely closed.
Locate the Tax File: TurboTax tax files usually have a
.taxextension (e.g.,MyTaxes2024.tax). They are typically saved in your "Documents" folder or a dedicated "TurboTax" folder within "Documents."Delete the File: Right-click on the
.taxfile you wish to delete and select "Delete."Empty Recycle Bin (Optional): If you want to permanently remove it, empty your computer's Recycle Bin or Trash.
Open TurboTax and Start New: When you open TurboTax again, it won't find the deleted file, and you can then choose to start a new return.
Sub-Step 3.3: Important Considerations for TurboTax Desktop
File Management: With the desktop version, you have direct control over your tax files. Always save your work regularly and consider backing up your tax files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Multiple Returns: You can have multiple
.taxfiles on your computer, each representing a different return or scenario. This is a great way to experiment without affecting your primary return.Software Installation: Restarting your return does not mean reinstalling the TurboTax software itself. You simply create a new tax file within the existing installation.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Step 4: Common Reasons for Restarting and What to Do Next
Understanding why you want to restart can help you approach the next steps more efficiently.
Sub-Step 4.1: You Made a Major Mistake
Action: If you've entered incorrect information across multiple sections, restarting can sometimes be quicker than trying to hunt down and correct every error.
Next Steps: Take your time. Have all your documents handy (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and double-check each entry as you go.
Sub-Step 4.2: You Want to Explore Different Scenarios
Action: Many people restart to see how different deductions or credits might affect their refund or tax liability.
Next Steps: For TurboTax Desktop, save your current return, then create a "New Tax Return" and experiment there. You can compare the results. For TurboTax Online, this is trickier; you'd generally need to clear and re-enter, or meticulously track changes.
Sub-Step 4.3: You Want a Fresh Start
Action: Sometimes, the return just feels "messy," and a clean slate is mentally refreshing.
Next Steps: Follow the appropriate steps above to restart. Breathe. You've got this!
Final Thoughts on Restarting
Restarting your TurboTax return can feel daunting, but it's a common and often necessary step in the tax preparation process. Remember to always double-check which version of TurboTax you're using, and if you're in doubt, err on the side of caution and save your current work before attempting to clear or delete anything. Taking a systematic approach will help you get back on track efficiently and accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to completely erase all data in TurboTax Online?
You can completely erase all data in TurboTax Online by looking for the "Clear & Start Over" option, usually found under "Tax Tools" or "Tools" within your Tax Home dashboard. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
How to start over in TurboTax without losing my purchase?
Starting over in TurboTax (both Online and Desktop) generally does not cause you to lose your purchase. You've paid for the software or access to the service, not the specific data you've entered.
How to delete a previous year's tax return in TurboTax Desktop?
To delete a previous year's tax return in TurboTax Desktop, close the program, locate the .tax file for that year on your computer (usually in "Documents" or a "TurboTax" folder), and then right-click and select "Delete."
How to go back to the beginning of TurboTax Online?
To go back to the beginning in TurboTax Online, you'll need to use the "Clear & Start Over" function. This will effectively reset your return to an empty state, allowing you to start from the beginning of the interview process.
How to reset my TurboTax account?
Resetting your TurboTax account is different from restarting a tax return. If you need to reset your password or update account information, you'll do so through the account settings on the TurboTax website, not within the tax return itself.
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
How to create a new return in TurboTax Desktop after already starting one?
In TurboTax Desktop, go to the "File" menu at the top, and then select "New Tax Return." This will open a fresh, blank return for you to begin anew, while your previously started return can be saved as a separate file.
How to avoid losing information when restarting in TurboTax?
To avoid losing information, especially in TurboTax Desktop, save your current return before starting a new one. For TurboTax Online, consider taking screenshots or making notes of important figures before using the "Clear & Start Over" option.
How to know if I'm using TurboTax Online or Desktop?
You are using TurboTax Online if you access it through a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and log in to a website. You are using TurboTax Desktop if you launch a program installed directly on your computer.
How to get a refund if I restart my TurboTax return?
Restarting your TurboTax return does not typically entitle you to a refund. Refunds are generally issued if there's a problem with the software itself, or if you cancel within a specific refund policy timeframe, not for simply wanting to start your return over.
How to switch tax years in TurboTax if I've started the wrong one?
If you've started the wrong tax year in TurboTax Online, you'll usually need to clear your return and then select the correct tax year when you restart. In TurboTax Desktop, you can simply open the correct year's software or create a new return for the appropriate year.
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