Downloading 2021 return with ALL WORKSHEETS

[PoutinePirate]

I am needing a copy of my 2021 return that includes all government and TurboTax worksheets.

For years 2024 and 2023 I was able to download this by starting and amendment online, then using print center to generate the PDF with worksheets. For 2022, it prompted me to download TurboTax Desktop and load my .tax file to create an amendment and then I was able to generate the required PDF with worksheets.

But I'm stuck for 2021. My taxes were prepared using TurboTax online, so presently I can access only the return PDF (without worksheets) or the .tax file.

[JohnB5677]

To access a 2021 (.tax.2021) return via TurboTax Desktop, you must purchase and install the TurboTax 2021 software ($50–$90+ based on version),

[PoutinePirate]

Not the best result for a customer who already paid TurboTax for 2021. I use the online version of your software and was under the impression TurboTax would allow me to access my return for up to 7 years. I didn't realize there was a disclaimer that I would lose access to worksheets.

Furthermore, the link you provided for purchase points to a Google search result where most results are others with similar questions, or online stores where the product is no longer in stock.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you should be able to download 2021 return.  Maybe you have another account?

How to view all your accounts
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/account-management/many-intuit-accounts-...

It's common to end up with multiple accounts. First LOG OUT of whatever TurboTax account you're logged into right now. Then use this TurboTax account recovery website to get a list of user ID's for an email address. Run the tool against any email addresses you may have used
https://myturbotax.intuit.com/account-recovery/

You can also request a transcript from the IRS
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

And sorry you can not install the 2021 Desktop program anymore.  So do not buy 2021.  They only support the last 3 years back to 2022.  So even if you buy it  you will not be able to acitivate it or update it or download any state programs you might need.

[PoutinePirate]

Thanks VolvoGirl for letting me know that purchasing the 2021 Dektop edition will be futile at this point.

I'm in the correct account. It has my returns back to 2020 (prepared using TurboTax Online).

The issue is that TurboTax doesn't include worksheets when accessing prior year returns. The desktop software is one workaround to be able to access those prior year worksheets.

It's an unfortunate aspect of the online offering that should be corrected, or at least made more clear when one competes their taxes. The current messaging that reads "We keep returns for up to 7 years"  should probably clarify that if one wants worksheets, they should archive them now.

[CatinaT1]

Here's how to get all the forms and schedules for a prior year.

TurboTax Online:

1. Sign in to your TurboTax Account.
2. Go to the section "Your Tax Returns and Documents" and select the prior year
3. Click "Amend (change) YYYY return"
4. Click 'Start an Amendment Online"
5. On the left NAV "Tax Tools" should now appear.  Click that and then select "Print Center"
6. Choose the forms you would like to view/print/download to P

[PoutinePirate]

The Amend Return option is not available for 2021.

As stated in my original post, I used this method for 2024, 2023, and 2022, but 2021 is not working. 

[DianeW777]

It will not work in TurboTax Online for 2021, however you can create your changes, print out your federal return and then complete the 1040-X by hand. Be sure you have the correct original figures and then the amended/changed figures and the 1040-X will be simple to complete by hand. Column A will be the original figures, Column C will be the corrected figures using the line descriptions from your original return (example is adjusted gross income). The lines are distinctly named. The math will be the difference to enter in Column B.

If by chance you are hoping for a refund from your amendment, keep these details in mind. An amendment must be done within three years after the due date of the original tax return (April 15, 2025) or within two years after the final tax payment was made. 

@PoutinePirate 

[PoutinePirate]

I have no reason to complete the 1040-X by hand. What I need is the worksheets from my 2021 return (it's in ALL CAPS in the post subject and explained in the original post).

@DianeW777 

[DianeW777]

Please use the link below to contact us regarding your questions.

• How do I contact TurboTax?

[VolvoGirl]

What choices do you have for 2021?  And by the way  you shouldn't use Amend just to get copies.  Usually you use Add a state to let  you in.  Have you done 2025?  You usually have to start the current year for the prior years to become available to download and print.  

How to Access prior year online returns
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/how-do-i-access-my-prior-year-return/00/270...

If you can't get the side menus to open up to access the prior year..... You need to start entering some basic Personal Info in 2025 for the side menu to open up. Just continue a little ways into 2025. I had to go though about 12 screens.

Or request a transcript from the IRS
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript

Or get a copy of your return using form 4506
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf

[PoutinePirate]

Yes, VolvoGirl, I have started (and paid) for 2025. When it comes to 2021 the only option is to download the return as a PDF file that does not include worksheets, or download the .tax file.

For anyone else who might be facing a similar challenge I wanted to share an update:

I have not found a way to access the 2021 worksheets, despite the multiple suggestions in this thread, a visit to a local TurboTax office, and escalating my support request all the way to Intuit's Office of the President. My understanding at this point is that the only way to obtain the worksheets would be to find someone with TurboTax Desktop 2021 already installed and to use their computer to load my .tax file.

My advice? Make sure you archive your full return and worksheets each year if you think you ever might need them. My mistake was to think that TurboTax's promise of retention for 7 years included access to the worksheets, which apparently it does not.