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New Member
posted Feb 25, 2026 9:21:38 AM

Start a new second return

I'm using Desktop PC.  Want to start a new second return for a family member.  There is no menu drop down, not menu bar at with File to start a new return.  No menu bar at all.

 

javrugtman

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1 Best answer
Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 10:44:37 AM

Glad you got it working.  Post back with any more questions.  

14 Replies
Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 9:24:09 AM

If you have correctly downloaded desktop software, you should be able to open the program from your own hard drive, and go to the top of your computer screen to the word "File" and then click on New Tax Return to start a return for another family member.

Employee Tax Expert
Feb 25, 2026 9:26:47 AM

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can start a new return by clicking on Start a new return on the Welcome page of TurboTax, or by clicking File on the top of your screen, then New Tax Return.

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 9:34:33 AM

There is no File drop down menu....   anywhere.

I reloaded TT Desktop/PC earlier and nothing different is seen.

Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 9:43:40 AM

I made you a screenshot from my PC Windows Home & Business program.  It should be the same in Deluxe.

 

PC New Return.jpg

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 9:43:56 AM

After login, screen shows the taxes I filed yesterday and nothing else.  It does not show a File drop down menu....   anywhere.

I reloaded TT Desktop/PC earlier and nothing different is seen.

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 9:45:47 AM

Yes, I know that is what it s supposed to look like, but the menu bar is not there.

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 9:47:03 AM

This is not how my TT Premium looks.  It is different than many previous years I have used.

Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 9:47:55 AM

Does your version look like my screenshot above?  With a top blue banner and the menu items going across the top?  You don't have to log in to the PC Desktop program.  Sounds like you might be in the Online browser version.   The Online version has the tabs going down the left side in a black or grey column.  Did you have to pay again to file the first return?  

 

I see people all the time that have bought the Download Desktop Software but then somehow ending up using the Online version and didn't know it. If that happened to you, you can move your Online file to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online or needing to reenter your info.


If you started in the Online version you can switch to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online. How to switch…….
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

 

Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 9:49:21 AM

Premium is the name of the Online version.  The PC programs are Deluxe, Premier and Home&Business.  

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 9:52:40 AM

Let me try this and get back with you....

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 10:28:51 AM

Ok, Desktop TT opened.  Followed instructions 'continue from TT online'.  Seemed to download the files from the online version, but where do I find them.  It seems they downloaded 2024 files from last year, and do not see the filing (federal and state) I completed yesterday.

 

Any help for me?

Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 10:37:45 AM

The tax data files end in .tax2024 or .tax2025, etc.  They should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder.   Did it start a new return for you?  Did you use the Online version last year for 2024?  Then it  might have Transferred your 2024 online return to start a new 2025 return.   I'm not sure if Continue from Turbo Tax Online means  to continue the current year 2025 or to transfer in from 2024.  Did you install and open the 2025 program?  Check the very top line says the year on it  Turbo Tax  Deluxe 2025 or go to Help and make sure it says About.... 2025.

New Member
Feb 25, 2026 10:42:52 AM

I found the 2025 filing !  Opened and all seems good.

Thank you so much for your help.

Reply so I can see the icon for 'thumbs up' to respond... you deserve it.

 

Regards....

Level 15
Feb 25, 2026 10:44:37 AM

Glad you got it working.  Post back with any more questions.