topic Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

samwise1 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:03:40 GMT

This year for some reason Turbo Tax decided to make it extra difficult to access any of your previous years filing info. Why? Like when I need to look up my AGI in order to e-file, I simply cannot find my 2020 return. The only message that comes up when I click "My documents and files" is "Finish filing your 2021 return, and then you will have access to your previous documents." Again, WHY? This is my personal information that I know you have. Why can't I access it? I had to go on the IRS's website and download a transcript in order to get that info, which is a HUGE pain in the butt in-and-of itself.

The other infuriating thing is the constant up-sale attempt at every 3rd click. We get it, you want us to buy your more expensive product. Don't need it, stop!

Bottom line - your user experience sucks. Your subpar product and shameless marketing are unfortunately all too common in corporate America. Doesn't matter if it works, just sell the heck out of it and ask questions later. Preferably after the bonus check cashes... anwho, off my soapbox.

Re: Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:38:40 GMT

You have to access your own account and/or print it for yourself using exactly the same account and user ID that you used when you prepared the return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/01/27010

Many people have multiple TT accounts and forget how to access them. Log out of the account you are in now.

Account recovery

https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535-forgot-your-turbotax-online-user-id-or-password

Or did you use the desktop version of TurboTax? If so, the files are on your own hard drive or any backup device you used like a flash drive.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901486-how-many-turbotax-accounts-do-i-have

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901535

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901659-find-your-tax-data-file-in-mac

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900721-find-your-tax-data-file-tax-file-in-windows

To get a copy of your previously filed returns prepared with online TurboTax https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900748-how-do-i-get-a-copy-of-a-return-i-filed-in-turbotax-online

Re: Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

samwise1 — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 19:37:37 GMT

I appreciate the reply, but doesn’t that seem like an issue TT should notify people of when they go to search for these documents? Why can’t these accounts be linked? Seems crazy to just let all these prior accounts float out there. I mean you already have all the PII necessary to do this including SSNs. My bank’s software knows how to link accounts. Just saying.

Re: Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 19:39:16 GMT

Sorry----TurboTax accounts cannot be combined.

Re: Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

samwise1 — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 19:42:09 GMT

Alrighty then. Until next year TT. Can’t say it’s been a pleasure, but hey that’s doing your taxes right?

Re: Why does Turbo Tax hide/bury your previous years returns and info?

IfYouSeeKay_TrboTx_Changes_2025 — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 02:45:04 GMT

Been with Turbotax for 20+ years. In the past decade, they've become increasingly complex, super "up-selly," and frankly, just too **bleep** pushy with their live help "options." F'kit, I'd rather file paper returns at the library again.