@pspatil wrote:
Directions are vague
The directions were not given, since the threadowner never posted back with the requested information. You have not said if you are used Online TurboTax in 2016 or desktop software (CD/download), so I'll assume it was prepared online.
If you prepared a 2016 return in Online TurboTax, it has been in a limbo period this last month since Online TurboTax was closed during November. You can't get it until 2019 Online TurboTax opens for the season tomorrow on Wednesday, December 4 (anticipated). Once TurboTax has opened for the season, then you can log in and at the Tax Home, scroll down to "Your Tax Returns & Documents" and choose tax year 2016. When you try to "download/print the PDF", if access is locked, the method to pay for it is to start a 2019 Free Edition return and immediately upgrade it to PLUS and pay 19.99 by credit/debit card. That will unlock all prior returns in that account. Or you can choose a higher edition, if preferred.
Here are the expected full instructions (since 2019 online TurboTax hasn't opened yet, no one can actually test yet). But in any case, you can't use them until tomorrow (December 4) when Online TurboTax for 2019 is expected to open. But if they are the same as last year, then here's how:
- Start a 2019 Free Edition return in the SAME account as the locked 2016 return.
- After some preliminary screens, you'll arrive at the MY INFO section.
- See if there is an Upgrade link in the left menu column. If not, you'll need to enter some info into the MY INFO screens until you see an Upgrade link either appear in the left menu column. If not, then at the end of the MY INFO section, you should be able to Upgrade.
- Then click on Upgrade and choose PLUS. Do NOT upgrade any beyond PLUS, or you'll have problems.
- Once you are in PLUS, then you need to pay by credit/debit card.
- In the left menu column click on TAX TOOLS, then PRINT CENTER.
- At the Print Center choose to "Print, save, view THIS YEAR's return." (Yes, you say "this year's" because you are paying for the 2019 return to unlock the 2016 return.) You don't actually have to print it.
- It will ask you to pay. If the Order Summary appears OK, then choose PAY NOW.
- You can pay by credit card or debit card (even though it only says "credit.")
NOTE: If it should offer you the choice of paying later out of the Federal refund, that cannot be done for this purpose. You have to choose PAY NOW.
There's also a free option if a 2016 return transcript will suit your purpose. You may be able to immediately download one at the IRS website if you qualify to open an IRS account there. Otherwise, to order a transcript to come by postal mail takes 5-10 calendar days.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
