Taxes, taxes, taxes! The word itself can sometimes induce a slight tremor, can't it? But fear not, diligent taxpayer! Whether you've just finished meticulously inputting your financial life into TurboTax or you're simply looking to keep a physical copy for your records, printing your tax return is a crucial final step. It's like getting your diploma after years of hard study – a tangible representation of your accomplishment!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every single step of printing your TurboTax return, ensuring you have all the necessary documents for your peace of mind and for any future reference. Let's dive in!
Printing Your TurboTax Return: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for printing your TurboTax return can vary slightly depending on whether you're using the TurboTax Online version or the TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) software. We'll cover both scenarios in detail.
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| How To Print Turbotax Return |
For TurboTax Online Users
If you've been working on your taxes directly through the TurboTax website, this section is for you.
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account
Alright, let's get started! The very first thing you need to do is log in to your TurboTax Online account. Head over to the TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com) and enter your User ID and password. If you've forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot User ID or Password?" link to regain access. You can't print anything if you're not logged in, right?
Step 2: Navigate to the Print Center
Once you're successfully logged in and on your Tax Home screen:
Option A: Before Filing (Still Working on Your Return)
Look for "Tax Tools" in the left-hand menu. Sometimes you might need to click on an existing section of your return (like "Wages & Income") for the full menu to appear.
Click on "Tax Tools," then select "Print Center."
Next, choose "Print, save or preview this year's return."
Option B: After Filing (Filed Your Return Already)
Scroll down on your Tax Home screen until you find the "Your tax returns & documents" section.
Locate the specific tax year you want to print.
Click on "Download/print return (PDF)." This will usually automatically download a PDF copy to your computer.
If you don't see this option or prefer more control, you might need to "Add a State" (even if you don't intend to add one) to get back into your return and access the "Tax Tools" and "Print Center" as described in Option A.
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
Step 3: Select Your Printing Options
Once you're in the Print Center (or have initiated the download):
Choose Your Documents: TurboTax typically offers several options for what you want to print. These commonly include:
"Tax Return": This usually includes the federal and state forms you need for filing.
"Government and TurboTax Worksheets": This is highly recommended! It provides a comprehensive record of how your numbers were calculated, including all supporting schedules and worksheets. Think of it as the detailed backstory to your tax return.
"All forms and worksheets": This is the most complete option, giving you absolutely everything.
You might also see options to print just your federal return, just your state return, or specific forms.
Preview Your Return: Before hitting print, it's always a good idea to click "Preview" or "View" to review the document. This ensures everything looks correct and you're printing exactly what you intend.
Pay Any Fees (If Applicable): If you haven't already paid for your TurboTax Online product, you will be prompted to do so before you can print or download your full return. This is a standard part of the TurboTax Online experience.
Step 4: Print or Save as PDF
After selecting your options and previewing, you'll generally have two choices:
Print Directly: If you have a printer connected and ready, select the "Print" button. This will open your computer's print dialogue box, where you can choose your printer, paper size, and other settings.
Save as PDF: This is an excellent practice! Saving your return as a PDF creates a digital copy that you can store securely on your computer, cloud storage, or an external drive. This provides a backup and allows you to easily email or share your return if needed. Look for a "Save as PDF" or "Download" option.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users
If you purchased and installed TurboTax software on your computer, the printing process is slightly different.
Step 1: Open Your Tax Return
Launch your TurboTax Desktop software.
Open the specific tax return file (*.tax file) you wish to print. Ensure you're opening the correct year's return.
Step 2: Access the Print Function
From the top menu bar, click on "File."
From the "File" dropdown menu, select "Print." (On a Mac, this might be under the "TurboTax" menu).
Step 3: Choose Your Print Set
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
A "Print Your Return" or "Print Center" window will typically appear. Here, you'll have options similar to the online version:
Federal Return: Choose to print your federal tax return.
State Return(s): Select any state returns you've prepared.
Federal/State Forms & Worksheets: This is where you can choose to include all the detailed worksheets and forms. This is highly recommended for your records.
Filing Instructions: This option prints the instructions for mailing your return if you're not e-filing.
Client Copy: This is typically a simplified version for your own records.
Government Copy: This is the official version to be sent to the IRS/state.
Step 4: Preview and Print
Preview: Before printing, always use the "Preview" button to see what the printed document will look like. This helps prevent wasted paper and ensures you're printing the correct information.
Print: Once you're satisfied with the preview, click "Print." Your computer's print dialogue box will appear, allowing you to select your printer and adjust settings like the number of copies, page range, and print quality.
Sub-heading: Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues
Sometimes, technology can be finicky. If you encounter problems while printing:
Check your printer connection: Is it on? Is it connected to your computer (wired or wireless)?
Ensure you have paper and ink: This sounds obvious, but it's a common oversight!
Restart your printer and computer: A simple restart can often resolve connectivity glitches.
Update your printer drivers: Outdated drivers can cause printing problems. Visit your printer manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.
Try printing other documents: If you can't print anything else, the issue is likely with your printer, not TurboTax.
Clear browser cache/cookies (for Online version): Sometimes old data can interfere. Clear your browser's cache and cookies or try a different web browser.
Ensure forms are finalized: Occasionally, some forms in TurboTax might be locked or not yet finalized. TurboTax will usually notify you if this is the case. Wait until they are ready if this is the issue.
Important Considerations for Your Printed Return
Keep a Safe Copy: Once you've printed your return, store it in a safe, secure place. A dedicated tax folder or a fireproof safe is ideal. Consider making multiple copies or saving it to multiple digital locations.
Sign Your Return (if mailing): If you're printing your return to mail it, remember to sign and date the necessary forms before sending them off.
Attach W-2s and Other Documents (if mailing): If you are mailing your return, remember to attach any required W-2s, 1099s, and other supporting documents. The filing instructions that print with your return will guide you on what to attach.
Retention Period: The IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least three years from the date you filed your original return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. However, for certain situations (like claiming a loss from worthless securities), the retention period can be much longer. It's always better to err on the side of keeping them longer than necessary.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about printing TurboTax returns, with quick answers:
How to print my federal return only in TurboTax?
To print only your federal return, navigate to the Print Center in TurboTax and select the option for "Federal Tax Return" or similar, ensuring state returns or worksheets are unchecked.
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
How to print my state return only in TurboTax?
In the Print Center, look for an option to print only your state return. If not explicitly available, you can usually deselect the federal return and any worksheets, leaving only the state forms checked.
How to print all forms and worksheets from TurboTax?
Within the Print Center, select the option that explicitly states "Include government and TurboTax worksheets" or "All forms and worksheets" to get a comprehensive printout.
How to print a tax summary from TurboTax?
The tax summary is usually included when you print your "Tax Return" or "Government and TurboTax Worksheets." If you're using TurboTax Online, you can often find a "Tax Summary" under "Tax Tools" > "Tools" > "View Tax Summary," which you can then print.
How to print a prior year's TurboTax return?
For TurboTax Online, log in, go to "Your tax returns & documents," select the desired year, and then "Download/print return (PDF)." For Desktop, open the specific *.tax file for that year in the corresponding TurboTax software version.
How to troubleshoot if TurboTax won't print?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
First, check your printer's connection, paper, and ink. Then, try restarting your printer and computer. If using TurboTax Online, clear your browser's cache and cookies or try a different browser. Ensure all forms are finalized in TurboTax.
How to print TurboTax return without filing it?
In TurboTax Online, you typically need to pay any applicable fees before you can print the complete return. Once fees are paid, you can access the Print Center before actually e-filing. In TurboTax Desktop, you can print at any time once the return is complete.
How to print TurboTax return after e-filing?
After e-filing in TurboTax Online, you can access your return PDF from the "Your tax returns & documents" section on your Tax Home. For Desktop users, the return remains saved on your computer and can be opened and printed at any time.
How to save a TurboTax return as a PDF?
When you go to print your return in either TurboTax Online or Desktop, look for a "Save as PDF" or "Download" option in the print dialogue box or within the TurboTax Print Center itself.
How to get an invoice for TurboTax services for printing?
For TurboTax Online, you can often find your payment history and invoices within your Intuit account under "Products and Billing." If you used the desktop version, your purchase receipt would serve as your invoice.
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