You can delete your TurboTax account through your account settings, but the process depends on whether you have open tax returns or pending transactions

TurboTax lets you delete your account from the security settings page, but the company holds onto some data for tax and legal reasons even after deletion. If you have an active return in progress or a return that hasn't been filed yet, you'll need to either complete it or abandon it before deletion goes through. Once you delete, you lose access to all prior returns stored in that account — though the IRS keeps its own copy of anything you filed.

The deletion itself is permanent and immediate. TurboTax will send a confirmation email, and your login will stop working right away. You can create a new account with the same email address after deletion, but it will be a fresh account with no history.

Key Takeaways

  • You delete a TurboTax account from Account Settings > Security, not from a separate cancellation page.
  • Any return still marked as "in progress" or "not filed" must be completed or removed before deletion is allowed.
  • TurboTax keeps records of filed returns for IRS compliance even after your account is deleted.
  • Deletion is instant and permanent — you cannot undo it or recover the account afterward.
  • You can create a new TurboTax account using the same email address once the old one is gone.

Steps to delete your account

Log into your TurboTax account at turbotax.intuit.com. Click your name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings." Look for the "Security" tab or section — this is where the delete option lives.

Scroll down to find "Delete Account" or "Close Account." TurboTax will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you're leaving (this is optional feedback). Read the warning about what happens to your returns and data, then click the final confirmation button. The account is deleted immediately after you confirm.

If you see a message saying you can't delete yet, check whether you have a return that hasn't been filed. Go back to your return list and either file the return or delete the draft. Only then can you proceed with account deletion.

What happens to your tax returns after deletion

Returns you have already filed with the IRS remain on file with the government — deletion of your TurboTax account does not erase them from IRS records. You can still retrieve filed returns by contacting the IRS directly or by creating a new TurboTax account and logging in with your Social Security number and other identifying information.

Returns you prepared but never filed are deleted from TurboTax's servers when you delete your account. If you need those drafts, download or print them before you delete. TurboTax typically stores PDF copies of returns you've prepared, and you can save these to your computer before closing the account.

Any documents you uploaded to TurboTax — W-2s, 1099s, receipts — are also removed when the account is deleted. If you need copies, download them first or keep them in your own files.

Reasons to keep your account instead of deleting

If you file taxes every year, keeping your account means TurboTax can pre-fill information from your prior returns, which saves time during tax season. Your filing history stays accessible, and you can amend old returns if needed without recreating your information from scratch.

If you're only deleting because you're concerned about privacy or security, consider changing your password instead, enabling two-factor authentication, or simply not logging in rather than deleting. These steps protect your account without losing your tax history.

If you're switching to a different tax software, you don't have to delete your TurboTax account — you can just stop using it. Keeping it costs nothing if you're not actively filing, and you retain access to prior returns if you need them later.

How to download your returns before deletion

Before you delete, go to your return list and open each return you want to keep. Look for a "Download" or "Save as PDF" button — this is usually near the top of the return or in a menu labeled "More Options" or "Actions." Save the PDF to your computer.

You can also take screenshots of key pages or print returns directly to PDF using your browser's print function. This gives you a permanent copy outside of TurboTax's system.

For documents you uploaded (W-2s, 1099s, receipts), go to the Documents section of your account and download each file individually. Once your account is deleted, these are gone from TurboTax permanently.

What to do if you can't delete your account

If TurboTax won't let you delete and you don't see a message explaining why, you likely have a return that's still in progress. Check your return list for any return marked "in progress," "not filed," or "draft." Open it and either complete and file it, or delete the draft from within the return itself.

If you have a pending refund or a return currently being processed by the IRS, TurboTax may temporarily lock deletion. Wait until the return has been fully processed before trying again.

If you still can't delete after checking these things, contact TurboTax support through your account or by phone. They can see whether there's a technical block or a transaction holding up deletion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my account after I delete it?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You can create a new TurboTax account with the same email address, but it will be a fresh account with no history. If you filed returns with the old account, the IRS has copies, and you can retrieve them through the IRS or by creating a new account and logging in with your tax information.

Will deleting my TurboTax account affect my filed tax returns?

No. Deleting your account does not change or remove returns you've already filed with the IRS. The IRS keeps its own records. You can still access filed returns through the IRS website or by creating a new TurboTax account.

What if I have a return in progress when I try to delete?

TurboTax will not let you delete until you handle the in-progress return. You can either complete and file it, or delete the draft from within the return. Once that's done, you can proceed with account deletion.

Do I lose my W-2s and other documents if I delete my account?

Yes. Any documents you uploaded to TurboTax are deleted along with your account. Download or save copies of all documents before you delete. Keep your original W-2s and 1099s from your employer or financial institutions — those are your permanent records.

Can I delete my account if I have a pending refund?

TurboTax may prevent deletion while a refund is being processed. Wait until the IRS has deposited your refund or issued a check, then try deleting again. If you're unsure whether your refund has been processed, check the IRS website using your Social Security number and filing status.