Printing your state tax return from TurboTax is a common task, whether you need a physical copy for your records, for a loan application, or because you're filing by mail. While the process is generally straightforward, it can vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online, the desktop software, or even if you've already filed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step to ensure you get your state return printed successfully.
So, you've diligently worked through your taxes with TurboTax, and now you're ready to hold that tangible proof of your tax-filing prowess. Excited to get that done? Let's dive in!
Understanding Your TurboTax Version: Online vs. Desktop
Before we begin, it's crucial to identify which version of TurboTax you're using, as the steps will differ.
TurboTax Online: This is the web-based version you access through your internet browser. Your tax data is stored securely on TurboTax's servers.
TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): This version is installed directly on your computer. Your tax data is saved locally on your hard drive.
Knowing your version will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
 |
| How To Print State Return Turbotax |
Step 1: Accessing Your Return in TurboTax
The first hurdle is getting to your completed tax return. The path to your return depends on your TurboTax version and whether you've already filed.
Sub-heading 1.1: For TurboTax Online Users
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
Sign In to Your Account: Open your web browser and go to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com). Log in using your Intuit ID and password.
Navigate to Your Tax Home: Once logged in, you'll typically land on your "Tax Home" or a similar dashboard. Look for an option that says "Your Tax Returns & Documents" or "View all tax returns."
Select the Correct Tax Year: If you have multiple years of returns, ensure you select the specific tax year for which you want to print your state return. You'll usually see clickable bubbles or a dropdown menu for different years.
Open the Return: Click on the relevant tax year. You might see options like "Download/Print Return (PDF)" or you might need to click "Continue" or "Pick up where you left off" to get back into your return.
Sub-heading 1.2: For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
Launch the Software: Open the TurboTax program installed on your computer.
Open Your Tax File: You'll likely see a list of recent tax files. Select the tax file for the year you wish to print. If it's not listed, you may need to go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and navigate to where you saved your
.taxfile.
Step 2: Locating the Print Options
Once you're within your tax return, the next step is to find the printing functionality. This is where the paths diverge more significantly between the online and desktop versions.
Sub-heading 2.1: Printing Your State Return in TurboTax Online
Navigate to the "File" or "Print Center":
If you haven't filed yet: Look for a "File" section or a "Print Center" option in the left-hand navigation menu. This is often found under "Tax Tools."
If you have already e-filed: Even if you've already filed, you can typically still access your return to print. On your "Tax Home" page, scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents." You should see an option like "Download/print return (PDF)."
Select "Print, save, or preview this year's return": Within the "Print Center" or "File" section, you'll usually find this option.
Choose Your Print Set: This is a crucial step! You'll be presented with options for what you want to print.
Look for an option to print just your state return, or to print "Official Copies" or "Government Forms."
Avoid selecting "All Forms and Worksheets" if you only need the official state return, as this will generate a very lengthy document.
Generate the PDF: TurboTax will typically generate a PDF version of your selected return. This might take a moment.
Open and Review the PDF: Once generated, the PDF will open in a new browser tab or a separate PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader). Carefully review the PDF to ensure it contains your complete state tax return. Check for all necessary pages, including any payment vouchers if you owe state taxes.
Sub-heading 2.2: Printing Your State Return in TurboTax Desktop
Access the "Print Center" or "File" Menu:
Look for "Print Center" prominently displayed at the top or within the main navigation.
Alternatively, go to the "File" menu at the top of the program window and select "Print."
Select What to Print: Similar to the online version, you'll be given choices.
You'll likely see options like "Tax Return," "Specific Forms," or "All Forms."
Choose to print only your state return. You might have to deselect the federal return if it's automatically checked.
If you are mailing your state return, ensure you select the option for "File by Mail" or "Print for Mailing" as this will include any required mailing instructions and payment vouchers.
Preview Your Return (Recommended): Before committing to printing, always use the "Preview Print Copy" option. This allows you to visually inspect the document and confirm that only your state return is included and that it looks correct.
Choose Your Printer and Print: Once satisfied with the preview, select your desired printer from the dialog box, adjust any print settings (like page range if necessary), and click "Print."
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Step 3: Handling Specific Scenarios
Sometimes, you might encounter situations that require a slightly different approach.
 |
Sub-heading 3.1: If You Need to Print for Mailing After E-filing Federal
This is a common scenario. If you e-filed your federal return but need to mail your state return, TurboTax may initially push you towards e-filing the state.
TurboTax Online: You might need to go to the "File" section, and instead of choosing "E-file," look for an option like "Print & Mail Your Returns" or a way to change your filing method for the state return. Sometimes, you may need to go back to the "Print Center" after the federal return is accepted. Some users have reported having to "trick" TurboTax by initiating the federal "File by Mail" process again (without actually mailing it) to then unlock the state "File by Mail" option.
TurboTax Desktop: Go to "File" at the top. You might need to select "File by Mail" even if your federal is e-filed. On the subsequent screen, make sure to choose "Do not print my federal return" and then proceed to select and print only your state return for mailing.
Sub-heading 3.2: Printing Prior Year State Returns
TurboTax Online: From your "Tax Home," you'll usually see an option for "Your tax returns & documents." Select the desired prior year, and you'll typically have the option to "Download/Print return (PDF)."
TurboTax Desktop: Open the TurboTax program, and then go to "File" > "Open Tax Return" and locate the
.taxfile for the prior year you need. Once open, follow the usual printing steps.
Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues
Even with a detailed guide, sometimes things go awry. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sub-heading 4.1: Nothing Happens When I Click Print!
Check for Pop-Up Blockers: If you're using TurboTax Online, your browser's pop-up blocker might be preventing the PDF from opening. Temporarily disable it for the TurboTax site.
Ensure Adobe Reader is Installed (or a similar PDF viewer): While browsers often have built-in PDF viewers, having a dedicated one like Adobe Acrobat Reader can help, especially with the desktop version. Ensure it's up to date.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (Online): Sometimes, stale data can cause issues. Clear your browser's cache and cookies and try again.
Restart TurboTax and Your Computer: A classic but often effective solution.
Sub-heading 4.2: Only Federal Prints, Not State!
Review Print Options Carefully: Go back to Step 2 and ensure you explicitly selected only your state return, or the option to include both federal and state if that's what you intended.
Check State Filing Status: Make sure your state return is marked as "complete" or "ready to file" within TurboTax. If it's still in progress, you might not be able to print the final version.
Sub-heading 4.3: Forms Are Missing or Incomplete!
Ensure Return is Finalized: You typically can't print a complete, fileable version of your return until you've gone through all the steps, including "Review" and are at the "File" stage.
Select "Official Copies" or "Government Forms": If you chose "worksheets" or "data entry forms," you won't get the official IRS/state forms. Make sure you select the correct print set.
Update TurboTax (Desktop): Ensure your TurboTax desktop software is fully updated to the latest version. Tax forms are updated periodically, and an outdated version might have issues.
Sub-heading 4.4: Payment Voucher Not Printing (for mailed returns)
Confirm You Selected "File by Mail": If you intend to mail your return and pay by check, you must select the "File by Mail" option for your state return. This is what generates the payment voucher.
Review State-Specific Instructions: Some states have specific rules for payment. Double-check your state's tax agency website or the TurboTax instructions for your specific state.
Final Tips for Printing Success
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
Always Save a PDF Copy: Regardless of whether you print a physical copy, always save a PDF version of your completed federal and state returns to your computer or cloud storage. This is your digital backup.
Print on Standard White Paper: If mailing, ensure you use standard 8.5" x 11" white paper of good quality.
Keep Records: After printing, keep your physical copy in a safe place along with any supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to printing state tax returns from TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to print state return in TurboTax Online after e-filing federal? Go to your "Tax Home," find "Your tax returns & documents," select the correct year, and choose "Download/print return (PDF)."
How to print state return for mailing from TurboTax Desktop? In TurboTax Desktop, go to "File" > "Print," select "File by Mail" for your state, and ensure federal is deselected.
How to print only the state return and not the federal in TurboTax? When in the "Print Center" or print dialog, look for options to select specific forms or just the "State Return" to exclude the federal.
How to save my TurboTax state return as a PDF? When you go to print, instead of choosing your physical printer, select "Save as PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF" from the printer options.
How to re-print a prior year's state tax return from TurboTax?
Log into TurboTax Online and navigate to "Your tax returns & documents" for the relevant year, or open the .tax file in TurboTax Desktop for that year.
How to troubleshoot if my TurboTax state return isn't printing? Check for pop-up blockers, ensure you have a PDF viewer, clear browser cache (online), restart TurboTax, and try another printer or "Save as PDF."
How to get a payment voucher to print with my mailed state return? Make sure you select the "File by Mail" option for your state return within the filing section of TurboTax; this should automatically include the voucher.
How to print all state tax forms and worksheets from TurboTax? In the "Print Center" or print options, look for an option to print "All Forms and Worksheets" for your state return.
How to print a state return if I haven't paid for TurboTax yet? Generally, TurboTax Online requires payment before you can print your official return. Free Edition users may have different rules, but most paid versions lock printing until payment is made.
How to ensure my printed state return is accepted by the state tax agency? Print on standard 8.5" x 11" white paper, ensure all pages are legible, and include any required payment vouchers or attachments as instructed by TurboTax and your state's tax agency.
 |
