TurboTax Account Deletion Steps

To delete your TurboTax account, log in to your account on the TurboTax website, go to Account Settings, and select the option to close or delete your account. TurboTax will ask you to confirm the deletion and may require you to enter your password again. After you confirm, your account and all associated data will be permanently removed — you cannot undo this action.

The exact location of the delete option depends on which TurboTax product you use (TurboTax Online, TurboTax Desktop, or TurboTax Live). If you cannot find the delete option in Account Settings, you can contact TurboTax customer support by phone or through their website chat to request account closure. They can walk you through the process or close the account on your behalf.

Before you delete your account, read or save copies of any tax returns, documents, or records you may need later. Once the account is deleted, you will not be able to access these files through TurboTax.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your TurboTax account, navigate to Account Settings, and select the delete or close account option to permanently remove your account.
  • TurboTax will ask you to confirm the deletion and may require your password — this is a security step to prevent accidental removal.
  • Save or read any tax returns and documents before deleting your account, because you will lose access to them permanently.
  • If you cannot find the delete option in your account settings, TurboTax customer support can close your account over the phone or through chat.

What Happens to Your Tax Returns After Deletion

When you delete your TurboTax account, your returns and all supporting documents stored in that account are deleted from TurboTax's servers. You will no longer be able to view, edit, or read them through TurboTax. However, if you filed your return with the IRS, the IRS keeps its own copy — deletion of your TurboTax account does not affect the return that was already submitted.

If you think you may need your returns in the future for a mortgage process, loan, or tax audit, read them before you delete your account. You can usually export returns as PDF files or print them directly from TurboTax. Keep these files in a safe location on your computer or external drive.

Reasons to read Your Data Before Deletion

Your TurboTax account may contain more than just the current year's return. It often holds prior-year returns, receipts, mileage logs, charitable donation records, and other documents you uploaded during the tax preparation process. Once the account is deleted, none of this information is recoverable from TurboTax.

You may need these records for several reasons: the IRS can audit returns from prior years, you may need to prove income for a loan or rental process, or you might want to reference past deductions when preparing next year's return. Downloading everything takes only a few minutes and saves you from having to recreate or request these documents later.

Deactivating Your Account Instead of Deleting It

Some TurboTax users prefer to deactivate their account rather than delete it permanently. Deactivation typically means you can reactivate the account later if you change your mind, whereas deletion is permanent. Check with TurboTax support to see if deactivation is an option for your account type — not all versions of TurboTax offer this choice.

If you are unsure whether you want to delete your account permanently, contact TurboTax support first to understand the difference between deactivation and deletion for your specific product. They can explain what data you will retain access to and what the reactivation process looks like if you decide to come back.

Contacting TurboTax Support for Account Closure

If you run into trouble deleting your account through the website or cannot locate the delete option, TurboTax customer support can close your account for you. You can reach them by phone (the number is on the TurboTax website), through live chat during business hours, or by submitting a request through your account. Have your username and the email address associated with your account ready when you contact them.

Support staff can confirm that your account has been fully closed and can answer questions about what happens to your data. They can also tell you whether you need to take any additional steps, such as canceling a subscription or removing payment methods on file.

Canceling Your TurboTax Subscription Before Deletion

If you have an active TurboTax subscription or a recurring payment plan, you may need to cancel it before you can delete your account. Check your Account Settings or Billing section to see if you have any active subscriptions. Cancel any recurring charges first, then proceed with account deletion.

If you delete your account while a subscription is still active, you may continue to be charged. Contact TurboTax billing support if you are unsure whether you have an active subscription or if you need help canceling it before you close your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my TurboTax account after I delete it?

No, account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. Once you confirm deletion, your account and all associated data are removed from TurboTax's servers. If you think you might need your account later, contact TurboTax support to ask about deactivation as an alternative.

Will deleting my TurboTax account affect my filed tax return?

No, deleting your TurboTax account does not affect a return you have already filed with the IRS. The IRS maintains its own copy of your return. You will straightforward lose access to your copy through TurboTax, so read it first if you want to keep it.

What if I forgot my TurboTax password and cannot log in to delete my account?

Use the "Forgot Password" link on the TurboTax login page to reset your password. Once you regain access to your account, you can proceed with deletion. If you cannot reset your password, contact TurboTax support and they can help you regain access or close the account on your behalf.

Do I need to cancel my subscription before deleting my account?

Yes, you should cancel any active subscriptions or recurring payments before deleting your account to avoid being charged after closure. Check your Billing or Account Settings section to see if you have active subscriptions, and cancel them first.

How long does it take for TurboTax to fully delete my account?

Account deletion is usually when ready once you confirm it, but it may take a few days for all associated data to be removed from TurboTax's backup systems. If you need confirmation that your account has been closed, contact TurboTax support after you submit the deletion request.