How do I password-protect my tax file in the TurboTax Desktop software?
by TurboTax • 
Updated December 11, 2025 12:07 PM
Adding password protection to my tax file
Open the tax return you want to password-protect.
From the File menu at the upper left of the screen, select Password... (on Mac, select Encrypt).
Fill out the information in the pop-up window and then select Add Password.
Because your password information is stored locally on your system, we're unable to help with forgotten passwords. Make sure you store your password in a safe place, such as a password manager program.
Removing password protection from my tax file
In case you are looking to remove password from an existing password-protected file, follow the steps below.
Open the tax file for which you want to remove the password protection using your TurboTax Software.
From the File menu at the upper left of the screen, select Password... (on Mac, select Encrypt).
Select Remove Password
.
