It's absolutely crucial to review your tax return before you hit that "file" button. Think of it like proofreading a super important document – you wouldn't send a resume with typos, right? Your tax return is even more significant, as errors can lead to delays, audits, or even penalties.
So, are you ready to become a tax-savvy individual and ensure your TurboTax return is perfect before it goes to the tax authorities? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide: How to View Your TurboTax Return Before Filing
Navigating the tax preparation process can feel like a maze, but TurboTax does a great job of simplifying it. However, the final review is your responsibility. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to view your return, ensuring you catch any potential issues.
Step 1: Understanding Why You Need to Review
Before we get into the "how," let's quickly touch on the "why." Why is it so important to review your return even after TurboTax has done its magic?
Catching Data Entry Errors: Even with smart import features, sometimes we miskey a number or forget to enter a crucial piece of information. A simple typo in your income or a missed deduction can significantly alter your refund or amount owed.
Ensuring Accuracy of Deductions and Credits: TurboTax guides you, but it can't know every nuance of your financial life. Reviewing allows you to confirm that all applicable deductions and credits have been correctly applied and that you haven't missed any opportunities.
Verifying Personal Information: It sounds basic, but confirming your Social Security Number, address, and dependents' information is paramount. Incorrect personal details can lead to your return being rejected.
Understanding Your Tax Situation: Beyond just accuracy, reviewing your return helps you understand why you're getting a certain refund or owing a certain amount. It's an educational process that empowers you to make better financial decisions in the future.
Avoiding Delays and Penalties: An accurate return is a smoothly processed return. Errors can lead to delays in your refund and, in some cases, penalties from the IRS or state tax authorities.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
Step 2: Accessing Your Return for Preview (TurboTax Online)
If you're using TurboTax's online version, there are a couple of ways to preview your return, depending on how complete it is and if you've paid yet.
Sub-heading 2.1: Previewing Your Form 1040 (Free)
TurboTax allows you to see a preliminary version of your federal Form 1040 (and often Schedules 1-3) before you've paid for the software. This is a great initial check.
Log In and Open Your Return: Sign in to your TurboTax account and ensure you're in the tax year you're working on.
Navigate to Tax Tools: On the left-hand menu, look for "Tax Tools" and click on it.
Select "Tools": A sub-menu will appear. Choose "Tools."
View Tax Summary: In the "Tools Center" pop-up window, select "View Tax Summary."
Preview My 1040: On the left side of the "Tax Summary" screen, you should see an option like "Preview my 1040." Click this.
What you'll see here is a summary of your main tax form. It's a good way to get a quick overview of your income, deductions, and tax liability, but it won't show you all the detailed schedules and forms.
Sub-heading 2.2: Printing/Saving Your Entire Return (Payment Required)
To view or print your complete tax return with all its supporting schedules and worksheets in TurboTax Online, you typically need to pay for the product first.
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
Ensure Your Return is Complete: Go through all the steps in TurboTax and answer all the questions. Make sure you've entered all your income, deductions, and credits.
Navigate to Tax Tools (Again): On the left-hand menu, click "Tax Tools."
Go to "Print Center": From the sub-menu, select "Print Center."
Choose "Print, save, or preview this year's return": Click on this option.
Follow Payment Prompts: If you haven't paid yet, TurboTax will prompt you to do so. You'll need to enter your payment information (credit/debit card). Keep in mind that if you opt for the "pay later" option out of your federal refund, this might not always enable immediate printing until the return is fully processed.
Select Printing Options: After payment, you'll be presented with options. You can usually choose to print "Just my tax returns," "Include government worksheets (optional)," or "Include government and TurboTax worksheets (optional)." For a thorough review, it's highly recommended to select the option that includes government and TurboTax worksheets.
Download or Print PDF: Once you've made your selection, a PDF of your complete return will generate. You can then download it to your computer or print it out.
Having a PDF copy allows you to review it at your leisure, highlight sections, and even share it with a tax professional if you're seeking additional advice.
Step 3: Accessing Your Return for Preview (TurboTax Desktop Software)
If you're using the CD/Download version of TurboTax, the process is generally more straightforward as you already own the software.
Open Your Return: Launch the TurboTax desktop application and open the tax file you're working on.
Go to the "File" Menu: At the very top of the screen, click on "File."
Select "Preview" or "Print":
"Preview": In some versions, you'll see a "Preview" option. Clicking this will likely bring up a pop-up window where you can choose which forms to preview (e.g., all official forms, specific forms).
"Print": Alternatively, you can go directly to "Print." This will also give you options to preview the return before sending it to your printer.
Choose Your Forms: Similar to the online version, you'll have options to select what you want to see. Choose to view all official forms and worksheets for a comprehensive review.
Scroll and Review: The return will appear in a viewer. Take your time to scroll through every single page.
The desktop version often provides more immediate access to all forms without requiring prior payment, which is a significant advantage for those who prefer to review before committing to filing.
Step 4: What to Look For During Your Review
Now that you have your return in front of you, what exactly should you be scrutinizing? This is where meticulousness pays off!
Sub-heading 4.1: The Big Numbers First
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): Does this number look correct based on your income sources?
Total Tax: Is the calculated tax amount in line with your expectations?
Refund or Amount Owed: This is the most anticipated number! Double-check that it reflects what you anticipate.
Withholdings/Estimated Payments: Confirm that all federal and state tax withheld from your paychecks or any estimated tax payments you made throughout the year are accurately reflected.
Sub-heading 4.2: Personal Information Accuracy
Names and Social Security Numbers: Verify the spelling of all names and the accuracy of all Social Security Numbers (yours, spouse's, dependents'). Even one digit off can cause a rejection.
Address: Ensure your current mailing address is correct.
Filing Status: Is your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household) accurate for your situation?
Dependents: Confirm all dependents are listed with correct information and that you meet the criteria for claiming them.
Sub-heading 4.3: Income Verification
W-2s: Compare every box on your W-2s to what's entered in TurboTax. Pay close attention to wages, federal income tax withheld, state income tax withheld, and local taxes.
1099s (Interest, Dividends, etc.): Cross-reference all 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-MISC, etc.) with the corresponding entries in TurboTax.
Self-Employment Income: If you're self-employed, verify your gross receipts and expenses on Schedule C.
Rental Income: For rental properties, ensure all income and expenses are correctly reported on Schedule E.
Other Income: Don't forget any miscellaneous income sources that might not come with a formal form (e.g., gambling winnings, alimony received for pre-2019 divorce decrees).
Sub-heading 4.4: Deductions and Credits Check
Standard vs. Itemized Deductions: If you itemized, meticulously review each deduction (medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, charitable contributions). If you took the standard deduction, ensure the correct amount is applied.
Tax Credits: Verify that you've claimed all eligible tax credits (e.g., Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Education Credits). These directly reduce your tax liability, so they're incredibly important.
Retirement Contributions: Check for contributions to IRAs or other retirement accounts that might be deductible.
Sub-heading 4.5: State Return Review
QuickTip: Slow down if the pace feels too fast.
Match Federal Information: Ensure your state return accurately reflects the relevant information from your federal return.
State-Specific Deductions/Credits: Some states have unique deductions or credits. Confirm these are applied correctly if applicable to your situation.
State Withholding: Double-check the state income tax withheld from your W-2s.
Step 5: Making Corrections and Re-Reviewing
If you find any discrepancies during your review, do not panic! The whole point of this process is to catch errors before filing.
Go Back to the Relevant Section: In TurboTax, navigate back to the specific section where the error occurred. For example, if you found an incorrect W-2 entry, go back to the "Wages & Income" section.
Make the Correction: Edit the information as needed.
Allow TurboTax to Recalculate: TurboTax will automatically recalculate your return based on the changes you've made.
Repeat the Review Process (if significant changes): If you made significant changes, it's a good idea to go back to Step 2 or 3 and preview your entire return again to ensure everything now looks correct and that your changes haven't inadvertently affected other parts of your return.
Step 6: Final Checks Before E-File
Once you're satisfied with your review, there are a few final checks.
Run TurboTax's Error Check: TurboTax has its own built-in error checker. Before you proceed to file, it will typically run a final review and flag any potential issues or missing information. Don't bypass this step!
Consider "Audit Risk" (if offered): Some TurboTax versions offer an "audit risk" assessment. While not a guarantee, it can provide insights into areas that might draw IRS attention.
Save a Copy: Always save a PDF copy of your final, reviewed return for your records before you hit "transmit." This is your official document for your files.
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| How To View Turbotax Return Before Filing |
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about viewing your TurboTax return before filing, with quick answers:
How to see my TurboTax return without paying? You can typically preview your federal Form 1040 and Schedules 1-3 for free in TurboTax Online by going to Tax Tools > Tools > View Tax Summary > Preview my 1040. For the full return, payment is usually required.
How to print a copy of my TurboTax return before filing? In TurboTax Online, go to Tax Tools > Print Center > Print, save, or preview this year's return (payment required for full return). In desktop software, go to File > Print or Preview.
How to review all forms and schedules in TurboTax? To review all forms and schedules, you'll generally need to pay for your TurboTax product online, or if using desktop software, simply access the print/preview function. Choose the option to include all government and TurboTax worksheets.
How to make corrections after previewing my TurboTax return? Navigate back to the relevant section in TurboTax where the error is. Edit the information, and TurboTax will automatically recalculate your return.
How to check for accuracy in TurboTax before filing? Thoroughly review all personal information, income entries (W-2s, 1099s), deductions, and credits by comparing them against your source documents. Also, utilize TurboTax's built-in error check.
How to ensure my dependents are correct on my TurboTax return? Carefully check their names, Social Security Numbers, and dates of birth. Confirm they meet the IRS criteria for being a qualifying child or qualifying relative for tax purposes.
How to verify my refund amount before submitting in TurboTax? The refund amount displayed in TurboTax should be the final calculation. Review your income and all deductions/credits to ensure they are accurate, as these directly impact the refund.
How to find my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the preview? Your AGI will be a prominent line item on your federal Form 1040. When you preview the 1040, you should be able to locate it easily.
How to avoid common errors when reviewing my TurboTax return? Take your time, use a checklist, compare every input field to your original documents, and don't hesitate to use TurboTax's help resources if something is unclear. A second pair of eyes (if possible and secure) can also be helpful.
How to save my TurboTax return as a PDF before e-filing? After paying (for online versions) and selecting your print options, TurboTax will generate a PDF. You'll typically have an option to "Download" or "Save" this PDF to your computer's local drive.
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