How do I finish a prior-year return that I started in TurboTax Online?

by TurboTax•529• Updated 2 days ago

If you started your 2021, 2022, or 2023 return in TurboTax Online but didn't file it before the extension deadline, you can finish and paper-file in TurboTax Desktop. Here's how:

Download TurboTax Desktop.
Sign in to TurboTax, using the same Intuit Account account you used to prepare your prior-year return and select Continue on the first screen.
- If you don't remember your sign in info, try account recovery. Still no luck? Start over in the TurboTax software you downloaded and skip the rest of these instructions.
On the second screen (Tax Home), scroll down and select Your tax returns & documents.
Select Download .tax file (not the PDF) for the prior year you want and save it to your computer.
- If the year you're looking for isn't there, it might be in a different account. Go here to find all of your accounts. One of them should have the return you're looking for.
Back in the TurboTax Desktop software, select Find a Tax File, and locate the tax data file you downloaded in the previous step.
Select the file and select Open.
You can now finish filling out your tax return.
Once you finish preparing your return, follow these instructions (Windows or Mac) to print and mail your return.
We suggest mailing your return using certified mail with a return receipt. This will be your proof of the date you mailed your tax return and when the IRS received it. You may also use private delivery services designated by the IRS.