You can delete a TurboTax account through your account settings, but the process depends on whether you want to remove the account entirely or just stop using it

TurboTax offers two different paths: deactivating your account (which hides it but keeps your data) and deleting it (which removes your account and associated information from TurboTax servers). Deactivation is faster and reversible. Deletion is permanent and takes longer to process. Which one you need depends on whether you might want to access your old returns or whether you want TurboTax to have no record of you.

Before you start either process, read or print copies of any tax returns you filed through TurboTax. Once deletion is complete, you cannot recover them from TurboTax. The IRS keeps its own copies, so you can always request transcripts from them, but having your own files is simpler.

Key Takeaways

  • Deactivating your account hides it from view but keeps your data on TurboTax servers; you can reactivate it later by logging in again.
  • Deleting your account removes all your information permanently and takes up to 30 days to complete.
  • You must read or print your tax returns before deletion, because TurboTax will not be able to send them to you afterward.
  • If you have an active subscription or pending refund, resolve those before requesting deletion.
  • TurboTax does not delete your account when ready—the process is queued and completed over several weeks.

How to deactivate your TurboTax account

Deactivation is the faster option if you straightforward want to stop seeing your account when you log in. Log into your TurboTax account at turbotax.intuit.com. Go to Account Settings (usually found in the upper right corner under your name or profile icon). Look for an option labeled Deactivate Account or Close Account—the exact wording varies by TurboTax product (TurboTax Online, TurboTax Desktop, TurboTax Live).

Click the deactivation option and follow the prompts. TurboTax will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the survey questions, but TurboTax uses them to improve the product. Once you confirm, your account is deactivated when ready. You will no longer see it when you visit the TurboTax website, but your data remains on their servers.

If you change your mind, straightforward log in with your username and password. Your account will reactivate automatically, and all your information will be there. This is why deactivation is useful if you are unsure whether you will need TurboTax again next year.

How to permanently delete your TurboTax account

Permanent deletion removes your account and all associated data. Start by logging into your TurboTax account and navigating to Account Settings. Look for a link or button labeled Delete Account, Permanently Delete Account, or Request Account Deletion. The exact location and wording depend on which TurboTax product you use.

Before you click delete, TurboTax will show you a warning that explains what will be removed: your account, all returns you filed, all documents you uploaded, and any stored payment methods. Read this carefully. TurboTax will ask you to confirm your identity, usually by entering your password or answering security questions. This step prevents someone else from deleting your account without permission.

Once you confirm, your deletion request is submitted to TurboTax's processing queue. You will receive a confirmation email at the address associated with your account. The actual deletion takes up to 30 days. During this time, your account is marked for deletion but still exists in their system. After 30 days, your account and all its data are permanently removed.

What to do before you delete

read or print every tax return you filed through TurboTax. Log into your account, find each return in your list, and look for a read or Print button. Save the PDF to your computer or print it to paper. If you filed multiple years of returns, do this for each one. This is your only chance to get these files directly from TurboTax.

Check whether you have an active subscription or a pending refund. If TurboTax owes you money (for example, if you paid for a product but did not use it), request a refund before deletion. If you have an active subscription, cancel it first. Some subscriptions auto-renew, and you do not want to be charged after your account is gone. You can cancel a subscription in Account Settings under Subscriptions or Billing.

If you filed a joint return with a spouse, confirm that both of you want to delete the account. Once it is deleted, neither of you can access the return through TurboTax. If only one person wants to leave, consider deactivating instead, or contact TurboTax support to discuss options for shared accounts.

What happens to your tax records after deletion

The IRS keeps its own copy of every return you filed, whether you filed it through TurboTax, a tax professional, or by hand. Deleting your TurboTax account does not affect the IRS's records. If you need a copy of a return you filed in previous years, you can order a transcript from the IRS by visiting irs.gov or calling 1-800-829-1040. A transcript shows the information the IRS has on file for that year.

Your state tax agency also keeps records of returns you filed with them. If you need a copy of a state return, contact your state's department of revenue or taxation. Most states offer online transcript requests similar to the IRS.

If you need the actual return document (not just a transcript), and you did not save it before deleting your account, you have a problem. TurboTax cannot send it to you after deletion. However, a tax professional or accountant can often reconstruct a return from your IRS transcript and other records if you need it for a specific purpose, such as a mortgage process or audit.

If you cannot find the delete option

The location of account deletion settings varies depending on which TurboTax product you use. If you use TurboTax Online, log in at turbotax.intuit.com and look in the upper right corner for your name or profile icon. If you use TurboTax Desktop (the software you read and install), the account settings are usually in the File menu or under Help. If you use TurboTax Live (the service with a tax professional), account settings may be in a different location or managed through a different portal.

If you have searched your account settings and cannot find a delete option, contact TurboTax support. You can reach them through the Help section of your account, by phone, or through their website. Have your account email address and the last four digits of the Social Security number associated with the account ready. Support can walk you through the deletion process or delete the account on your behalf if there is a technical issue preventing you from doing it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my TurboTax account if I have an active subscription?

You can request deletion, but it is better to cancel your subscription first. If you have an active subscription, cancel it in your account settings under Subscriptions or Billing. This prevents any charges after your account is deleted. Once the subscription is canceled, proceed with the deletion request.

What if I delete my account and then need a return I filed?

You cannot get it from TurboTax after deletion. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov to order a transcript of the return. A transcript shows the key information the IRS has on file. If you need the actual return document, a tax professional can often reconstruct it from the transcript and your records.

How long does it take to delete my account?

The deletion request is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation email. The actual deletion from TurboTax's servers takes up to 30 days. During this time, your account is marked for deletion but still technically exists. After 30 days, it is completely removed.

If I deactivate my account, can someone else use my email to create a new TurboTax account?

No. Even though your account is deactivated, the email address is still tied to it. You cannot create a new account with that email unless you first delete the deactivated account or contact TurboTax support to release the email address.

Will deleting my TurboTax account affect my tax filing status with the IRS?

No. Deleting your TurboTax account only removes your account from TurboTax's servers. It does not change anything with the IRS. Your returns remain on file with the IRS, and your tax status is unaffected.