It's completely understandable if you've started your tax preparation in TurboTax only to realize you've already filed your return elsewhere, or perhaps you intended to, but life got in the way! This can happen for a variety of reasons, whether you used a different software, a tax professional, or even filed by mail directly with the IRS.
Don't panic! TurboTax is designed with robust features that generally prevent duplicate filings and also offers solutions for various tax scenarios. The key is to understand what action you've already taken and then inform TurboTax accordingly. Let's walk through this step-by-step to make sure you're on the right track and avoid any unnecessary headaches with the IRS.
How to Tell TurboTax You Filed Somewhere Else: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide will cover different scenarios and the appropriate actions to take within TurboTax.
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| How To Tell Turbotax I Filed Somewhere Else |
Step 1: Identify Your Current Situation - Have You Already Filed?
Before you do anything else, let's confirm your filing status. Did you actually e-file or mail your tax return to the IRS (and your state, if applicable) using another method or software?
If your return was successfully filed and accepted elsewhere: This is the most common scenario. You've completed your tax obligations for the year. Your goal now is to prevent TurboTax from attempting to file a duplicate return and, if you started entering data, to ensure that data isn't accidentally stored or processed in a way that could cause confusion.
If you started a return in TurboTax but haven't filed anywhere yet: Perhaps you were exploring options or began data entry, but then decided to use a different method. In this case, you simply need to abandon or clear the return you started in TurboTax.
If you filed incorrectly elsewhere and need to amend: This is a different process entirely, involving filing an amended return (Form 1040-X), which you can often do with TurboTax, even if you didn't file the original return with them. We'll touch on this briefly but the primary focus here is avoiding duplicate initial filings.
Once you've confirmed your situation, proceed to the relevant step below.
Step 2: Preventing Duplicate Filing in TurboTax (If You Filed Elsewhere)
If you've successfully filed your tax return for the current tax year using a different method or software, your main objective is to stop TurboTax from filing another return.
Tip: Patience makes reading smoother.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Online Users
This is usually straightforward.
Do NOT click "File" or "Transmit My Return": If you've been working on a return in TurboTax Online, you'll reach a point where it asks you to review and then "File" or "Transmit My Return." Under no circumstances should you click this button if you've already filed elsewhere.
Clear or Delete Your Return (Optional but Recommended): While simply not filing will prevent a duplicate, if you've entered a significant amount of data and don't plan to use TurboTax for this tax year, you might consider clearing your return. This ensures your personal and financial information isn't sitting in an incomplete return.
How to Clear/Start Over:
Log in to your TurboTax account.
Look for an option like "Clear & Start Over" or "Delete my return" within the program. This option is usually found in the "Tools" or "Tax Tools" menu, often under "Delete a Tax Return" or "Clear Your Return and Start Over." The exact wording and location can vary slightly depending on the year and version of TurboTax Online you are using.
Be absolutely sure you want to delete it, as this will erase all data you've entered for that specific tax year.
Simply Abandon the Return: If you've only entered minimal information, or you're unsure about clearing it, you can simply log out of TurboTax and not return to that specific tax year's preparation. TurboTax will not file a return unless you explicitly go through the filing steps.
Sub-heading: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
If you're using the desktop version of TurboTax, the process is slightly different as the software is installed on your computer.
Do NOT E-file or Print & Mail: Just like with the online version, do not proceed with the e-file or print-and-mail steps within the TurboTax Desktop software.
Save Your File (Optional): You can save the file on your computer, but if you've already filed elsewhere, there's no need to.
Delete the File (Optional but Recommended for Clarity): If you no longer need the return saved on your computer, you can delete the
.taxfile (e.g.,mytaxes2024.tax). Make sure you only delete the file for the year you've already filed elsewhere.It's crucial to distinguish between deleting the software and deleting a specific tax file. You can uninstall the software if you wish, but simply deleting the tax file is usually sufficient if you don't intend to use that data.
Step 3: What if TurboTax Tries to Transfer Information from a Previous Year?
If you've used TurboTax in previous years, it often prompts you to import your prior-year data when you start a new return. If you've now filed this year's return elsewhere, you might wonder if TurboTax will still try to pull in old data.
This generally won't be an issue. TurboTax's import feature is usually for starting a new return, not for somehow knowing where you filed your current year's taxes. If you've successfully filed the current year's return elsewhere, simply don't proceed with creating a new return in TurboTax for that specific year, or clear any incomplete return you started, as outlined in Step 2.
Step 4: What if You Need to Amend a Return Filed Elsewhere?
This is a critical distinction. If you made a mistake on a return you already filed and was accepted by the IRS (and/or state), and you need to correct it, you will file an amended return.
TurboTax can often help with amendments, even if you didn't file the original return with them.
Access the Correct Tax Year: You'll need to use the TurboTax software for the specific tax year you need to amend. For example, if you need to amend your 2023 return, you'll need the 2023 version of TurboTax.
Enter Original Return Information: To amend a return you didn't originally file with TurboTax, you will first need to manually enter all the information exactly as it appeared on your original, filed return into TurboTax. This means having a copy of your previously filed return handy. This step is crucial for TurboTax to correctly calculate the changes for your amended return (Form 1040-X).
Initiate the Amendment Process: Once your TurboTax file accurately reflects your original return, look for an option to "Amend a Return" or "File an Amended Return." This is typically found under the "Tools" or "Tax Tools" menu in TurboTax Online, or a similar menu in the Desktop version.
Make Necessary Corrections: TurboTax will then guide you through making the necessary changes to correct your original return.
Print and Mail (Usually): While e-filing for amended returns is becoming more common, most amended federal returns (Form 1040-X) still need to be printed and mailed to the IRS. Check the latest IRS guidelines and TurboTax instructions for the specific tax year you are amending. State amended returns often have their own specific forms and mailing instructions.
Important Note: Do NOT file an amended return if your original return is still "pending" or has not yet been accepted by the IRS. Wait for acceptance first.
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
Step 5: Handling TurboTax Notifications and Accounts
If you started a return in TurboTax and then filed elsewhere, you might receive emails or notifications from TurboTax prompting you to complete your return.
Ignore them or mark them as irrelevant. Since you've already filed, these notifications are no longer applicable to you for that tax year. You can often manage notification preferences within your TurboTax account settings if you find them bothersome.
No need to explicitly "tell" TurboTax: There's no specific button or feature in TurboTax where you formally "tell" them you've filed elsewhere. The system simply won't process a return if you don't complete the filing steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help clarify common concerns:
How to delete a tax return in TurboTax Online?
To delete a tax return in TurboTax Online, sign in, go to "Tax Tools" (usually on the left-hand menu), then "Clear & Start Over" or "Delete a Tax Return." Confirm your action, as it will erase all entered data.
How to know if my TurboTax return was actually filed?
You'll receive an email from TurboTax confirming that your federal and state returns (if applicable) have been transmitted. Shortly after, you'll receive another email with the IRS and/or state's acceptance or rejection status. You can also check your e-file status within your TurboTax account.
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
How to avoid duplicate tax filings?
The best way to avoid duplicate filings is to only complete the filing process (e-file or mail) with one chosen method or software for each tax year. Once you've successfully filed, do not attempt to file the same return again using a different platform.
How to amend a tax return if I didn't file the original with TurboTax?
To amend a return not originally filed with TurboTax, you'll need to use the TurboTax software for that specific tax year, manually enter all information from your original return, and then use the "Amend a Return" feature. You'll typically print and mail the amended return.
How to get a copy of a previously filed tax return if I no longer have it?
If you need a copy of a previously filed return, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS using their "Get Transcript" tool on IRS.gov. This transcript will show most lines from your return. If you filed with TurboTax, you can often download PDFs of prior-year returns from your TurboTax account.
How to prevent TurboTax from prompting me to complete an unfinished return?
If you've filed elsewhere and started a return in TurboTax, you can either clear/delete the unfinished return (as outlined in Step 2) or simply ignore the prompts. TurboTax will only file if you actively go through the filing steps.
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
How to contact TurboTax support for specific issues?
You can find TurboTax support by visiting their official website (turbotax.intuit.com) and looking for the "Support" or "Help" section. They offer a knowledge base, community forums, and options for live chat or phone support during tax season.
How to find my prior year's AGI for e-filing current year taxes?
Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your previous year's tax return is often required to verify your identity for e-filing. You can find it on line 11 of your Form 1040 from the prior year. If you used TurboTax, you can access your prior year's return in your account. The IRS "Get Transcript" tool can also provide this.
How to pay taxes if I owe money after filing?
If you owe taxes, you can pay directly to the IRS (and your state, if applicable) through various methods, including IRS Direct Pay, electronic funds withdrawal (if offered by your tax software during filing), or by mail with a check or money order. TurboTax will guide you through payment options during the filing process if you owe.
How to know if I need to file an amended return?
You generally need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if there's a change in your filing status, income, deductions, credits, or dependents that results in a change to your tax liability (either a new refund or additional tax due). The IRS website provides detailed guidance on when to amend.
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