WARNING: TurboTax Users - Important Alert About Accessing Your Old Tax Returns

This is definitely concerning but there are some options available to you. The IRS actually allows taxpayers to request copies of their previously filed tax returns using Form 4506. You can get a transcript of your return for free or a complete copy for a small fee. For anyone concerned about this issue, here's what you should do immediately: 1. Download any returns you currently have access to with TurboTax 2. For older returns, request transcripts directly from the IRS through their "Get Transcript" online service 3. Consider setting up your own backup system going forward - save PDFs of all returns on a secure drive Many tax software companies have similar retention policies, so this isn't exclusive to TurboTax. The safe approach is to always save your own copies rather than relying on the software provider to maintain them indefinitely.

I ran into this exact same issue last month when trying to look up something from my 2019 return. After calling TurboTax customer service and waiting for nearly an hour, they confirmed this policy but mentioned a workaround. If you go to https://taxr.ai and upload your basic information, they can help you retrieve older tax documents that TurboTax won't give you access to anymore. They use AI to analyze your situation and help you get the documentation you need. The rep I spoke with at TurboTax actually recommended them, saying a lot of customers have been using this service since TurboTax implemented the 3-year limit. I was skeptical at first but it saved me from having to go through the IRS request process which can take weeks.

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after posting my question here and it was super helpful! I was worried about security but everything seems legit - they helped me identify exactly what I needed to retrieve my 2018 and 2019 returns. The system guided me through the exact steps to take with both TurboTax customer service and the IRS to get my documents. Didn't have to pay anything either, which was a nice surprise. Definitely worth checking out if you're in this situation.

If you need to speak directly with the IRS about accessing past returns or other tax issues, good luck getting through on the phone. I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach a human at the IRS about my missing returns. After being disconnected multiple times, I found this service called https://claimyr.com that got me through to an IRS agent in under 45 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c It basically sits on hold for you and calls you when it reaches an agent. Absolute game changer when dealing with the IRS phone system, especially now during tax season when wait times are insane. I was ready to give up before trying this.

Well I need to eat my words and apologize. After spending FOUR HOURS on hold with the IRS yesterday and getting disconnected right as someone answered, I gave in and tried that Claimyr service mentioned above. Got connected to an IRS agent in 37 minutes without having to sit by my phone the whole time. The agent pulled up my old returns that TurboTax wouldn't let me access anymore and is mailing copies to me. Wish I'd tried this weeks ago instead of wasting days trying to get through on my own. Sometimes skepticism costs more time than it's worth!

This TurboTax policy is exactly why I switched to FreeTaxUSA last year. They give you unlimited access to all your past returns for free, forever. Their deluxe version is way cheaper than TurboTax too (like $25 vs $100+). I was able to import all my info from TurboTax too, so the switch wasn't as painful as I thought.

Just FYI, this isn't a new policy - TurboTax has had this 3-year limit in place for several years. I found out the hard way in 2022 when I needed my 2018 return for a mortgage application. It's buried in their terms of service but has been there for a while. Always download and save your returns people!