Are you looking to close your TurboTax account? Whether you’ve decided to switch to a different tax preparation service or simply no longer need your account, deleting your TurboTax account is a straightforward process. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to permanently delete your TurboTax account, ensuring your personal information remains secure.
Before You Delete Your TurboTax Account
Before proceeding with the account deletion process, it’s important to consider a few things:
- Download Your Tax Returns: If you have previously filed taxes using TurboTax, make sure to download and save copies of your tax returns for your records. You may need these documents in the future for various purposes, such as applying for loans or resolving tax-related issues.
- Cancel Any Subscriptions: If you have any active subscriptions or recurring payments associated with your TurboTax account, be sure to cancel them before deleting your account. This will prevent any unwanted charges in the future.
- Verify Your Identity: To ensure the security of your personal information, TurboTax may require you to verify your identity before allowing you to delete your account. Keep your personal details handy, such as your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Steps to Delete Your TurboTax Account
Now that you’ve completed the necessary preparations, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of deleting your TurboTax account:
- Sign In to Your TurboTax Account: Start by visiting the TurboTax website and signing in to your account using your username and password.
- Navigate to the Account Settings: Once you’re logged in, locate the “Account Settings” or “Profile” section. This is typically found in the top-right corner of the screen or within a dropdown menu.
- Find the Delete Account Option: Within the Account Settings, look for an option that says “Delete Account,” “Close Account,” or something similar. Click on this option to proceed.
- Confirm Your Decision: TurboTax may prompt you to confirm your decision to delete your account. Read the information provided carefully and click on the confirmation button to proceed.
- Verify Your Identity: As mentioned earlier, TurboTax may require you to verify your identity to ensure the security of your personal information. Follow the prompts and provide the necessary details, such as your SSN or ITIN.
- Complete the Deletion Process: Once your identity is verified, TurboTax will initiate the account deletion process. This may take a few minutes to complete. You will receive a confirmation message once your account has been successfully deleted.
What Happens After Deleting Your TurboTax Account?
After you’ve successfully deleted your TurboTax account, here’s what you can expect:
- Inaccessible Account: Your TurboTax account will become inaccessible, and you will no longer be able to sign in or access any information associated with the account.
- Removal of Personal Information: TurboTax will remove your personal information from their systems, ensuring the privacy and security of your data.
- Retention of Tax Returns: While your account will be deleted, TurboTax may retain copies of your tax returns for a certain period as required by law. However, you will not have access to these returns through your deleted account.
Alternatives to Deleting Your TurboTax Account
If you’re not ready to completely delete your TurboTax account but want to take a break from using the service, you have a couple of options:
- Deactivate Your Account: Some versions of TurboTax allow you to temporarily deactivate your account instead of deleting it permanently. This option may be suitable if you think you might use TurboTax again in the future.
- Unsubscribe from Communications: If you no longer wish to receive emails or promotional offers from TurboTax, you can unsubscribe from their communications. Look for the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email you receive from TurboTax and follow the instructions to opt out.
Conclusion
Deleting your TurboTax account is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your personal information remains secure and that your account is permanently closed.
Remember to download copies of your tax returns, cancel any active subscriptions, and verify your identity before proceeding with the deletion process. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to TurboTax’s customer support for assistance.
Taking control of your online accounts and personal information is crucial in today’s digital age. By deleting your TurboTax account when it’s no longer needed, you’re taking a proactive step towards maintaining your privacy and security.