This answer assumes your 2016 and already-filed 2017 Free Edition
return are in the same account, which you have already confirmed.
- Log in and go to the section "Your Tax Returns & Documents". Click on that line or the word SHOW to expand that section.
- Choose 2017.
- 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 and past the blue-green screen, click in the left menu column on Upgrade.
- In the Upgrade window 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 2017 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 29.99.
- 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.
