You can delete your TurboTax account through your account settings, but the process differs depending on whether you use TurboTax Online or the desktop version
TurboTax stores your tax documents, personal information, and filing history in your account. Deleting it removes all of that data from TurboTax's servers. The deletion is permanent — you cannot recover your account or your tax records after this step. Before you delete, download or save any tax returns or documents you need to keep, because TurboTax will not send them to you after the account is gone.
The steps to delete differ slightly between TurboTax Online (the web version you access through a browser) and TurboTax Desktop (the software you download and install). Both take about five minutes, but you need to know which version you use before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your TurboTax account removes all your tax documents and filing history permanently, so save anything you need before you start.
- TurboTax Online and TurboTax Desktop use different deletion steps, so you need to know which version you use.
- For TurboTax Online, you delete the account through your profile settings after signing in.
- For TurboTax Desktop, you uninstall the software and contact TurboTax support to remove your account data from their servers.
- After deletion, you can create a new TurboTax account using the same email address if you change your mind later.
How to delete TurboTax Online
Sign in to your TurboTax Online account at turbotax.intuit.com using your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner of the page and click it. A menu will appear with several options.
Click on "Account settings" or "Profile settings" (the exact wording depends on which TurboTax product you use, but it will be in this menu). Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Close account," "Delete account," or "Account closure." Click the button to proceed. TurboTax will ask you to confirm that you want to delete your account and warn you that the action is permanent. Read the warning, then click the confirmation button. Your account will be deleted immediately.
How to delete TurboTax Desktop
TurboTax Desktop does not have a built-in account deletion feature inside the software itself. Instead, you need to uninstall the program from your computer and then contact TurboTax support to remove your account information from their servers.
On Windows, go to Settings, then Apps, then Apps & features. Find "TurboTax" in the list, click it, and select Uninstall. Follow the prompts to remove the software. On Mac, open Finder, go to Applications, find TurboTax, and drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash. After uninstalling, contact TurboTax support by phone or through their website and tell them you want your account deleted. They will remove your data from their system.
Save your tax documents before deleting
Before you delete your account, download or print any tax returns or documents you may need in the future. The IRS keeps a record of what you filed, but TurboTax will not send you copies after your account is deleted. If you need to reference an old return or provide proof of filing to a lender or employer, you will need the document saved on your own computer or in print.
In TurboTax Online, go to your tax return, look for a "Download" or "Print" button, and save the PDF to your computer. In TurboTax Desktop, open the return you want to save, go to File, and select Print or Export as PDF. Save the file somewhere you can find it later, such as a Documents folder or cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive.
What happens to your data after deletion
Once your account is deleted, TurboTax removes your personal information, tax documents, and filing history from their servers. You will no longer be able to sign in or access any of your past returns. TurboTax may keep some data for legal or tax purposes for a limited time, but it will not be connected to your account.
If you filed taxes through TurboTax, the IRS still has your return on file. Deleting your TurboTax account does not affect your tax filing or your relationship with the IRS. You can always request a copy of your return directly from the IRS if you need it later.
Creating a new account after deletion
If you delete your TurboTax account and later decide you want to use TurboTax again, you can create a new account using the same email address. The new account will be blank — it will not have access to any of the documents or information from your deleted account. You will need to enter your information again if you file taxes with TurboTax in the future.
Some users worry that deleting and recreating an account will cause problems with the IRS or with TurboTax's records. It will not. Each account is separate, and creating a new one does not affect your tax history or any previous filings.
What to do if you cannot delete your account
If you are having trouble deleting your account through the steps above, contact TurboTax support directly. You can reach them by phone, through their website chat, or by email. Have your email address and account information ready when you contact them. Support can delete your account manually if the self-service option is not working or if you have a special situation, such as an account that is locked or flagged for security reasons.
If you are trying to delete a TurboTax account that belongs to someone else — for example, a family member or employee — you will need to have access to that person's email address and password, or you will need to contact support with proof that you have permission to delete the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting my TurboTax account affect my tax return with the IRS?
No. Deleting your TurboTax account does not change anything with the IRS. Your return stays filed, your refund status stays the same, and your tax record is not affected. The IRS has its own copy of your return and does not rely on TurboTax to keep it on file.
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No, deletion is permanent. You cannot recover a deleted account or any of the documents stored in it. If you think you might need your tax returns in the future, save them to your computer before you delete.
Do I need to delete my account if I just want to stop using TurboTax?
No. You can simply stop logging in and let your account sit inactive. Deletion is only necessary if you want TurboTax to remove your personal information and documents from their servers.
What if I used TurboTax through my employer or school?
If your TurboTax account was set up through an employer or school program, contact that organization first. They may manage your account, and you may need their permission or help to delete it. Do not delete the account yourself without checking with them first.
Can I delete my account on the TurboTax mobile app?
The TurboTax mobile app does not have an account deletion feature. You must delete your account through TurboTax Online on a web browser or by contacting support. Uninstalling the app from your phone does not delete your account.