Easy Tech TutsHow to Clear and Start Over in TurboTax, Reset Turbotax Return Easily 2026
By Impran M N
Mistakes happen when entering tax information, and sometimes the cleanest fix is clearing your TurboTax return and starting over rather than trying to untangle every incorrect entry. This guide walks through accessing the reset option, clearing your current return safely, and avoiding pitfalls along the way. It's aimed at individuals and small business owners who want a clean slate without losing time or accidentally deleting the wrong information.
01Access your TurboTax return
Open the return you want to reset within your TurboTax account so you can locate the option to clear and start over.
02Clear your current return
Use TurboTax's clear and restart feature to wipe your current entries, which removes the data you've entered so far for that return.
03Start fresh with a clean return
Once cleared, begin re-entering your information from scratch, using the fresh start to correct any earlier mistakes.
04Avoid common pitfalls when resetting
Before clearing, make sure you actually want to lose all entered data, since a reset removes everything rather than allowing you to keep select parts.
05Know when starting over makes sense
Clearing and restarting can be the best option when your return has significant errors early on that would otherwise require reworking many later entries.
Frequently asked questions
Will clearing my TurboTax return delete everything?
Yes, clearing your return removes the data you've entered for that return, so it's meant for situations where a full restart is genuinely needed.
Can I undo a reset once it's done?
Once a return has been cleared, the removed entries generally aren't recoverable, so it's worth being certain before proceeding.
Is there a way to fix a mistake without clearing everything?
For smaller errors, editing the specific section with the mistake is usually simpler than a full reset, which is better reserved for larger issues.
Does resetting my return affect a previous year's filing?
No, clearing and starting over applies to the current return you're working on and doesn't change returns already filed in prior years.
Why would a small business owner need to reset their return?
Business owners may need to reset if early entries about income or expenses were incorrect and affected everything entered afterward.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
