How to Delete a Tax Return on TurboTax

Realizing you need to start over on a tax return can be frustrating, but clearing out the old information in TurboTax is a simple process once you know where to look. Whether you entered the wrong W-2 information, decided to switch filing statuses, or simply want a fresh start, you can delete your return and begin again. This guide will walk you through the exact steps for deleting a return in both TurboTax Online and the CD/Download desktop software, and explain what to do if you’ve already filed.

Before You Delete: Understanding the Golden Rule

There's one critical rule to remember before you try to delete anything in TurboTax: you can only clear and start over on a tax return that has NOT been filed and for which you have NOT paid any TurboTax fees. Once you submit your return electronically or print and mail it, it’s officially in the hands of the IRS. At that point, you can no longer delete it.

This is an important safeguard. It prevents you from accidentally deleting a return that the IRS is already processing. Think of it like putting a letter in the mailbox—once the postal worker picks it up, you can't just take it back from the post office. Your only option is to send another letter with corrections.

What to Do If You've Already Filed

If you've already filed your tax return and discovered an error, do not panic. The correct procedure is to file an amended return. You cannot delete the original submission. An amended return, filed using IRS Form 1040-X, allows you to report any changes to your income, deductions, credits, or filing status.

You should wait until the IRS has accepted your original return before filing an amendment. Trying to amend a rejected return will cause delays; instead, if your return is rejected, you can simply fix the errors in TurboTax and re-submit it. TurboTax has a dedicated workflow to guide you through preparing the Form 1040-X, helping you explain the changes to the IRS correctly.

How to Delete a Return in TurboTax Online

If you haven't paid for TurboTax or filed yet, you are in the clear to wipe your return and start fresh. The TurboTax Online platform makes this process straightforward, though the option can be a little hidden. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Sign in to Your TurboTax Account

Navigate to the TurboTax website and sign in with your User ID and password. This will take you to your Tax Home dashboard, where you can see the status of current and past returns.

Step 2: Navigate to "My Docs"

Once you are on the main account screen after login, look for a menu on the left side of your screen. One of the options will be "My Docs" or "Documents." Click on it. Under this menu, you should see an option for "Delete tax return." Some versions of the software may also place this option under a more general "Account Settings" section.

Step 3: Select the Return You Wish to Delete

TurboTax may ask you to select the tax year for the return you want to delete. Ensure you are looking at the correct year (e.g., 2023 for the return you file in 2024). On this screen, TurboTax will show a summary of the return, confirming that it has not been filed yet. Take a moment to verify that this is indeed the return you want to permanently erase.

Step 4: Confirm Your Choice to "Clear & Start Over"

You will now see a button that says something like "Delete my forms and start over" or "Clear & Start Over." TurboTax will present you with one final confirmation message, warning you that this action is permanent and all the data you’ve entered so far will be lost. To proceed, you will need to confirm your decision, often by clicking a button that says "Yes, delete my forms" or something similar. Once confirmed, your return for that year will be wiped clean, and you can begin again from scratch.

Deleting Tax Data from TurboTax CD/Download Software

If you use the desktop software installed on your computer, the process is quite different. Your tax return isn’t stored online; it’s saved as a file on your hard drive. This means deleting a return works just like deleting any other document on your computer.

Step 1: Locate the Tax File on Your Computer

Your return is saved as a .tax20XX file (with "20XX" representing the tax year). If you don’t remember where you saved it, TurboTax has default locations you can check:

• On Windows: Your tax files are often in the My Documents > TurboTax folder.
• On Mac: The default location is typically the Documents > TurboTax folder.

You can also open the TurboTax software and go to File > Open Tax Return. This will show you a list of recent files and their locations, helping you find the one you need to delete.

Step 2: Delete the File

Once you’ve found the tax file, deleting it is simple. You can either:

• Right-click the file and select "Delete."
• Click the file once to select it, then press the Delete key on your keyboard.
• Drag the file directly into your computer's Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).

Remember to empty your Recycle Bin or Trash to permanently remove it if you have privacy concerns. A key benefit of the desktop software is the ability to create backups. Before deleting, you might consider saving a copy of the tax file to an external drive, just in case you ever need to reference the original information.

Step 3: Start a New Return

After you have deleted the old file, open the TurboTax software again. Go to File > New Tax Return. This will create a brand new, empty tax file, and you can begin your tax preparation over from the beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting Returns

Navigating this process can bring up a few common questions. Here are clear answers to the most frequent issues users face.

"I followed the steps, but I don't see an option to delete my return. Why?"

The most common reason for the "delete" or "clear and start over" option being unavailable is that you've already taken an irreversible step. Double-check that you haven't:

• Submitted payment: Once you pay the TurboTax fee for preparing your federal or state return, the option to start over is usually locked.
• E-filed your return: If you've hit the "Transmit" button, your return is on its way to the IRS, and deletion is impossible. You must amend it.
• Printed the return for mailing: For bookkeeping purposes, TurboTax often considers the act of printing a return for mailing as the final step, which can disable the delete option.

If you believe you have not taken any of these steps and still can't find the option, reaching out to TurboTax support directly is the best course of action.

"I use the Free Edition and paid for PLUS. Can I still delete my return?"

If you upgraded from the completely free version to a paid tier like PLUS, Deluxe, or Premier, that counts as a payment. Even if the upgrade was to pull in your prior-year AGI or access phone support, entering payment information locks the return. In this case, you cannot start over and must either continue with the return or switch to the amending process if you've already filed.

"I deleted my return by accident! Can I get it back?"

Unfortunately, no. The warning messages TurboTax displays are there for a reason: deleting a return is permanent and irreversible. All the data you have entered—W-2 information, deductions, credits, personal details—is gone for good. There is no "undo" button. This is why it's so important to be absolutely certain before confirming the deletion. For desktop, an offline backup copy would be the only way to recover your work.

Final Thoughts

Deleting a TurboTax return is a straightforward way to get a clean slate, but only if you act before you file or pay. For online users, the process is managed through account settings, while desktop users simply delete the tax file from their computer. If you've already filed, remember that amending your return with Form 1040-X is the proper and required procedure.

Dealing with tax issues, whether it involves correcting an entry in software or handling a client's complex multi-state filing, requires absolute accuracy. When professional scenarios require answers that go beyond user manuals, reliable research is key. For tax professionals needing definitive answers, Feather AI delivers instant responses backed by verifiable citations from IRS and state tax code, allowing you to give advice confidently and quickly.