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Level 2
February 16, 2026
Question

How do I recover a deleted return?

  • February 16, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 38 views
I have inadvertantly deleted a return I was working on. how do I get it back?

3 replies

JohnB5677
Level 15
February 18, 2026

On your Windows desktop.

  • Locate the Recycle Bin ICON
  • Click on it
  • This will give you the option to restore a deleted file.
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sleech12Author
Level 2
February 19, 2026

Sorry, I have a Mac.

DaveF1006
Level 15
February 19, 2026

If you deleted the file recently through Finder, it is likely still in your Trash.

 

  1. Open the Trash from your Dock.
  2. Search for a file ending in .tax2024 (or whichever year you were working on).
  3. Right-click the file and select Put Back. This returns it to its original folder (usually Documents > TurboTax) so the software can find it easily.

Sometimes the file isn't deleted; it was just moved.

 

  1. Press Command + Spacebar and type .tax
  2. If a list of returns appears, look for the one with the most recent date.
  3. Hold the Command key while clicking the file in the search results to see exactly which folder it is sitting in.
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