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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 11:56:42 AM

How do I delete a return and start over if I am using the downloaded program (not the on-line version)?

2 6 13848
1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:56:44 AM

You can delete a tax return from within the TurboTax Windows Desktop Program on the very first screen after starting the program or go to File-Open. Click on the large square icon representing the file you wish to delete (avoid clicking the blue "Continue" button). Then just hit your delete key and answer the prompt.

OR Start the program and on the first page click the blue Find A Tax File link at the bottom of the box. Then in the list that pops up you can right click on the file and choose delete.

Or you can delete it from Windows.  The tax files end in .tax2017 and should be in your Documents folder and then in a Turbo Tax subfolder.

Or just start a new return, go to FILE - NEW and ignore the wrong one.

6 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 11:56:44 AM

You can delete a tax return from within the TurboTax Windows Desktop Program on the very first screen after starting the program or go to File-Open. Click on the large square icon representing the file you wish to delete (avoid clicking the blue "Continue" button). Then just hit your delete key and answer the prompt.

OR Start the program and on the first page click the blue Find A Tax File link at the bottom of the box. Then in the list that pops up you can right click on the file and choose delete.

Or you can delete it from Windows.  The tax files end in .tax2017 and should be in your Documents folder and then in a Turbo Tax subfolder.

Or just start a new return, go to FILE - NEW and ignore the wrong one.

Level 13
Jun 3, 2019 11:56:47 AM

If you haven't saved the income tax return just close the program.  It will ask you if you want to save the income tax return and you say "No."  Then start a new income tax return.  You can create as many income tax returns as you like, though you can only e-file 5 of them.

If you've saved the income tax return somewhere along the line and you really want to "delete" it from your hard drive then use Microsoft File Explorer, navigate to the TurboTax folder under the Documents folder, select the file, right click and delete it.

Tom Young

New Member
Feb 6, 2023 6:41:04 AM

How do I delete my turbo tax an start over

Level 15
Feb 6, 2023 6:45:58 AM

See the answer above your post.

Intuit Alumni
Feb 8, 2023 8:19:29 AM

If you have not submitted them you can start over. This article will provide information on Clearing & Starting Over after you've registered.
 @Taneshawright

Level 3
Oct 13, 2024 10:27:59 PM

Thank you so much for this information.  You would think Turbotax would cover this in their "HELP" section.  I appreciate you.