How do I download my 2017 return

[mesquitebean]

Was the 2017 return prepared in Online TurboTax, and have you located it in your account when you look in the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents?"   If so, what happens when you click the link to print/download the PDF--does it tell you access is locked and asks you to pay?   If so, we can tell you how to do that.    (If you don't find the 2017 return at all in that account, we can tell you how to look for multiple accounts.)

How to unlock the 2017 return depends on what all you have done for your 2018 return.  Have you already filed a 2018 return with Online TurboTax, or is one still in preparation?   Is it in Free Edition, and is it in the SAME account as the 2017 return?

[jtbayer]

I have already filed for 2018 yes it was the free edition for both years

[mesquitebean]

OK, watch for my answer below on how to upgrade your already-filed 2018 return to PLUS, and pay the 19.99 fee by credit/debit card.

Be aware there's a free option if a tax return transcript would suit your purpose.   You may be able to immediately download a 2017 return transcript at the IRS website at the link below.  If you don't qualify to open a free IRS account there, you can order one to come by postal mail, which normally takes 5-10 calendar days.   
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript">http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript</a>

[mesquitebean]

Here's how to open an already-filed 2018 return in order to upgrade to PLUS.

• Log in and go to the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents".  Click on that line or the word SHOW to expand that section.
• Choose 2018.
• Then click the link "Add a State".  (you aren't really adding one; that just opens the return back up.)
• Once the return is open, click in the left menu column on Upgrade.
• At the Upgrade screen choose PLUS.  NOTE:  If PLUS is grayed out, that means you are already in PLUS.  In that case, do NOT upgrade any farther, or you'll have problems.
• Once you are in PLUS, then you need to pay for it.
• In the left menu column, click on TAX TOOLS, then choose PRINT CENTER.
• In the Print Center choose "Print, save, view THIS YEAR's return."   (yes, you say "this year's" because you are paying for PLUS 2018 to unlock the prior returns.)  You don't really have to print it.
  
• On the next screen choose to PAY NOW.  (for this unlocking purpose, you cannot use the "Pay Later" feature if it's offered.)
• The next screen will be an Order Summary.  It should show PLUS for 19.99.
• Next screen says "Pay with Credit Card", but it can also be a debit card or prepaid debit card.

NOTE:  Do NOT use this method to open a return to make changes/edits to an already-filed return (one that has actually been mailed or efiled.)   If you later need to make changes to an already-filed return, you have to go through the formal amending process, and your return must start off exactly as originally filed.

NOTE:  Remember all PDF tax documents and data files are very sensitive files, since they contain your personal ID info, financial data, and possibly bank account numbers, etc.  Be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.