Tax season often feels like a distant memory once it's over, but there are many reasons you might need to access your previous tax returns. Perhaps you're applying for a loan, needing to verify income, or simply want to cross-reference information for your current year's filing. Whatever the reason, if you've used TurboTax, retrieving those old returns is generally a straightforward process.
Ready to dive into your tax history? Let's get started!
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| How To Look At Previous Tax Returns On Turbotax |
Step 1: Determine Your TurboTax Version – Online vs. Desktop
This is the crucial first step, as the method for accessing your past returns differs significantly based on whether you used TurboTax Online or the TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) software.
Did you file your taxes directly through the TurboTax website, logging in via your browser? If so, you used TurboTax Online.
Did you purchase a CD or download a software program to your computer to prepare and file your taxes? If yes, then you used TurboTax Desktop.
Knowing which version you used will save you a lot of time and frustration!
Sub-heading: Understanding the Key Difference
TurboTax Online: Your returns are stored securely on TurboTax's servers for a period, typically up to seven years. This means you can access them from almost any device with an internet connection.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): Your tax files are stored locally on the computer where you installed the software and prepared the return. They are not stored online by TurboTax. This means you'll need access to that specific computer to retrieve your files.
Step 2: Accessing Previous Returns – TurboTax Online Users
If you filed with TurboTax Online, you're in luck! This is usually the easiest way to get your past returns.
Sub-heading: Logging into Your Account
Go to the Official TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to TurboTax.com.
Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" or "My Account" option, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter Your Credentials: Use the same User ID and Password you used when you filed your previous tax returns. This is critical! If you've forgotten your login information, look for "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links to recover them. You might have multiple TurboTax accounts if you've used different email addresses or user IDs over the years, so if you don't see your returns, try other possible login combinations.
Sub-heading: Navigating to Your Tax Returns & Documents
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Once you're successfully logged in, the interface might vary slightly depending on updates, but generally, you'll follow one of these paths:
Option A: Through "Tax Home"
On your "Tax Home" screen, scroll down.
Look for a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar.
You'll usually see a dropdown menu where you can select the tax year you wish to view.
Select the desired year.
You should then see an option to "Download/Print return (PDF)" or "Download tax PDF". Click this to save a PDF copy of your full tax return.
Option B: Through the "Documents" Menu
Sometimes, there's a "Documents" tab or menu option.
Click on "Documents."
You might then see a list of available tax years.
Select the year you want.
Look for a button or link to "Download tax PDF."
Sub-heading: What to Do with Your Downloaded PDF
Once downloaded, you can:
Save it to a secure location on your computer or cloud storage.
Print a physical copy for your records.
Email it to yourself or a trusted party (e.g., a loan officer) if required.
Review the details for any information you need.
Important Note: TurboTax typically retains online access to your returns for the past seven years. If your return is older than seven years, you may need to pursue other options (see Step 4).
Step 3: Accessing Previous Returns – TurboTax Desktop Users
For those who used the CD or downloaded software, the process is different as your files are on your computer.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Tax Files on Your Computer
Identify the Computer Used: You need to be on the same computer where you originally installed the TurboTax software and prepared your return for that specific year.
Open TurboTax Software: Launch the TurboTax software for the relevant tax year. For example, if you want your 2022 return, open your 2022 TurboTax software. If you've uninstalled it, you might need to reinstall it using your original CD or download link.
Find Your Data File: TurboTax tax files usually have a specific file extension, such as .tax2022 for the 2022 tax year, .tax2023 for 2023, and so on.
Default Location: By default, TurboTax often saves these files in your "Documents" folder, usually within a "TurboTax" subfolder, then organized by year (e.g.,
Documents > TurboTax > 2022).Searching Your Computer: If you can't find it, use your computer's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for ".tax" or the specific year's extension (e.g., ".tax2022").
External Drives/Backups: Remember if you saved your files to an external hard drive, USB stick, or a cloud backup service.
Sub-heading: Opening and Printing Your Return
Open the File: Once you locate the correct year's
.taxfile, double-click it. It should open in the corresponding TurboTax software.Navigate to Print/Save: Inside the software, look for options like "Print," "Save as PDF," or "Print Center." These are typically found under the "File" menu or within a "Print" section of the program.
Save as PDF (Recommended): Even if you want a paper copy, it's highly recommended to save a PDF version first. This provides a digital backup that's easily shareable and doesn't require the TurboTax software to view later.
Print: After saving as a PDF, you can print a physical copy.
Important Tip: Make multiple copies and save them in different locations (e.g., on your computer, an external drive, and a cloud service) to prevent loss!
Step 4: When TurboTax Can't Help – Requesting from the IRS
Tip: Reread complex ideas to fully understand them.
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What if you can't find your return through TurboTax, or it's older than the seven-year retention period? Don't despair! The IRS has you covered.
Sub-heading: IRS Transcripts vs. Copies
It's important to understand the difference between an IRS transcript and an IRS copy of your tax return.
Tax Return Transcript: This free option shows most line items from your original tax return (Forms 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR) as you filed it. It does not include changes made after you filed (like IRS adjustments) and doesn't include copies of your W-2s, 1099s, or other attached forms. These are available for the current and past three tax years.
Tax Account Transcript: This also free option provides basic data such as marital status, adjusted gross income, and tax liability, and shows any changes or adjustments made by the IRS. It's often useful for verifying income. Available for the current and past three tax years.
Copy of Your Tax Return: This is an exact photocopy of your filed tax return, including all attachments (like W-2s, 1099s, schedules). There is a fee for each return requested, and it can take up to 60 days to process. The IRS generally keeps these for seven years.
Sub-heading: How to Request Transcripts
Online (Fastest): Visit the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool on IRS.gov. You'll need to verify your identity, which involves answering several personal questions based on your credit history or other financial data.
By Mail: You can request transcripts by mail using Form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) or Form 4506T-EZ (Short Form Request for Individual Tax Return Transcript).
By Phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 and follow the automated prompts.
Sub-heading: How to Request a Copy of Your Tax Return
File Form 4506: To get a complete copy of your actual tax return, you'll need to fill out and mail Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return."
Include Payment: There's a fee per return, so make sure to include the correct payment as specified on the form.
Allow Processing Time: This method can take up to 60 days for the IRS to process and mail you the copy.
Step 5: Safeguarding Your Future Tax Returns
Once you've retrieved your past returns, it's an excellent opportunity to establish habits that make future retrieval a breeze.
Sub-heading: Best Practices for Digital Storage
Save as PDF Every Year: After you file your return with TurboTax (whether online or desktop), always save a PDF copy to your computer.
Organize Your Files: Create a dedicated "Taxes" folder on your computer, with subfolders for each tax year (e.g., "Taxes > 2024").
Cloud Backups: Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to back up your tax PDFs. This ensures you can access them from anywhere and protects them from computer failures.
Password Protection: Consider password-protecting your tax PDFs, especially if stored in shared locations.
Sub-heading: Physical Copies for Peace of Mind
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Print and File: While digital copies are convenient, many people still prefer a physical printout. Keep it in a secure location, like a locked filing cabinet.
Shred Old Documents: Once you have your new return safely stored, be sure to properly shred any sensitive documents from previous years that you no longer need. Don't just toss them in the trash!
10 Related FAQ Questions (Starting with 'How to')
How to find my TurboTax User ID if I forgot it?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and click on the "Forgot User ID" link. You'll likely need to provide your email address or phone number associated with the account to recover it.
How to recover my TurboTax password if I lost it?
On the TurboTax sign-in page, click "Forgot Password." You'll be prompted to enter your User ID or email, and then you'll receive instructions to reset your password.
How to access TurboTax returns older than 7 years?
TurboTax online typically only retains returns for seven years. For returns older than that, you will need to request a copy or transcript directly from the IRS using Form 4506 or Form 4506-T.
How to get a copy of my W-2 from a previous year if it's not on my tax return PDF?
Your W-2 is generally included as an attachment to your full tax return PDF. If it's missing, you'll need to contact your former employer directly to request a copy, or you can obtain a wage and income transcript from the IRS (which will show W-2 information).
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
How to ensure my TurboTax Desktop files are backed up?
Regularly copy your .tax files from their default save location (usually Documents > TurboTax > [Year]) to an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage service.
How to view my state tax return from a previous year on TurboTax?
Both online and desktop versions of TurboTax typically bundle your federal and state returns together. When you download or print your federal return, the associated state return should also be included in the PDF.
How to file an amended return using a previous year's TurboTax file?
Sign in to your TurboTax account (online) or open the specific year's software (desktop). Look for an option to "Amend" or "Change a filed return." TurboTax will guide you through the process of making corrections and filing Form 1040-X.
How to transfer data from a previous year's TurboTax return to the current year?
When you start a new return in TurboTax Online or Desktop for the current tax year, the software usually prompts you to "transfer" or "import" data from your previous year's TurboTax file, making the process much faster.
How to find out which TurboTax account my past returns are under?
If you have multiple email addresses or potential TurboTax User IDs, try logging in with each one. TurboTax also has a "Find all my accounts" tool on their support website that can help you locate accounts associated with your personal information.
How to get a tax transcript from the IRS for free?
You can get various types of tax transcripts (tax return, tax account, wage and income, etc.) for free by using the IRS "Get Transcript Online" tool on IRS.gov, by submitting Form 4506-T via mail, or by calling their automated phone line at 1-800-908-9946.
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