Ready to conquer tax season? Filing your tax return can feel like a daunting task, but with TurboTax, the process is streamlined and user-friendly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of submitting your TurboTax return, ensuring you feel confident and in control.
Your TurboTax Journey: From Preparation to Submission!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of submission, let's assume you've already completed the hard part: entering all your income, deductions, and credits into TurboTax. If you haven't, that's where your journey truly begins! Make sure every piece of your financial puzzle is accurately placed to avoid any last-minute hiccups.
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| How To Submit Turbotax Return |
Step 1: Reviewing Your Return - The Crucial Double-Check!
Isn't it tempting to just hit "file" after all that data entry? Resist the urge! This step is paramount to avoiding errors and potential delays or even an audit. TurboTax is designed to catch many common mistakes, but a human eye, your eye, is still the best defense.
Sub-heading: Running the TurboTax "Complete Check"
TurboTax has a built-in feature often called "Complete Check" or a similar phrase, designed to scrutinize your return for inconsistencies, missing information, and potential audit flags.
Initiate the Check: Navigate to the "File" section of TurboTax. You'll usually see an option like "Review & File" or "Check for Errors." Click on this.
Address Warnings and Errors: TurboTax will present you with a list of potential issues. These can range from minor warnings (like reminding you to print a copy for your records) to critical errors (like missing Social Security numbers or mismatched income figures).
Pay close attention to any "red flags": These are errors that will prevent your return from being successfully filed. You'll need to go back to the relevant section of your return and correct the information.
Don't ignore the "yellow flags" (warnings): While they might not stop your filing, they could indicate something that needs your attention or clarification. For instance, TurboTax might suggest a deduction you might qualify for but haven't claimed.
Cross-Reference Your Documents: This is where you become the ultimate tax detective!
W-2s, 1099s, etc.: Compare the income figures in your TurboTax return against your actual W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements. Even a small typo can cause a rejection.
Deductions and Credits: Ensure you have supporting documentation for all deductions and credits you've claimed. This includes receipts for charitable donations, medical expenses, educational costs, etc.
Personal Information: Double-check your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. Any mismatch can lead to processing delays.
Sub-heading: Understanding Your Tax Outcome
Before filing, TurboTax will clearly display your refund amount or the amount you owe. Take a moment to understand this:
Refund: If you're getting a refund, congratulations! TurboTax will show you an estimated date for when you can expect it, especially if you're choosing direct deposit.
Taxes Due: If you owe taxes, TurboTax will outline your payment options. Remember, filing an extension for time to file does NOT extend the time to pay your taxes. You still need to pay any estimated taxes due by the deadline to avoid penalties.
Step 2: Choosing Your Filing Method: E-file or Mail?
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
TurboTax primarily encourages e-filing for its speed and efficiency, but you do have the option to mail your return.
Sub-heading: E-filing (Recommended for Speed and Confirmation)
Electronic filing is by far the most popular and recommended method.
Federal and State Returns: TurboTax allows you to e-file both your federal and most state returns simultaneously. This is a huge time-saver.
Electronic Signature (PIN): To e-file, you'll need to electronically sign your return. This typically involves entering your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your previous year's tax return or creating a 5-digit Self-Select PIN.
Why last year's AGI?: The IRS uses your prior year AGI as a security measure to verify your identity. Make sure you have it handy! If you don't know it, you can often retrieve it from your IRS online account or by requesting a tax transcript.
Payment Options for Taxes Owed (if applicable): If you owe taxes, when e-filing, you typically have these options:
Direct Debit: You can authorize the IRS (and your state, if applicable) to directly withdraw the payment from your bank account on a specified date (up to the tax deadline). This is highly convenient.
Credit/Debit Card: You can pay using a credit or debit card through a third-party processor, though a small processing fee usually applies.
Check/Money Order: You can still e-file and then mail in your payment separately with a payment voucher (Form 1040-V for federal). Be sure to mail it to the correct address by the deadline.
Sub-heading: Filing by Mail (Paper Filing)
While less common, some individuals prefer to mail their returns.
Print Your Return: TurboTax will guide you on how to print your complete federal and state returns. Make sure you print all necessary forms and schedules.
Attach Supporting Documents: If you are mailing, you might need to attach copies of certain documents, such as your W-2s or 1099s, as instructed by TurboTax.
Sign and Date: Manually sign and date your Form 1040 (and any state forms) in the designated areas. For joint returns, both spouses must sign.
Mail to the Correct Address: TurboTax will provide the specific mailing address for your federal and state returns. These addresses can vary depending on your location and whether you're sending a payment.
Keep Copies: Always, always keep a complete copy of your filed return and all supporting documents for your records.
Step 3: The Final Transmission (for E-filers)
This is the moment of truth for e-filers!
Confirm Your Information: TurboTax will present a final summary of your return. Review it one last time to ensure everything is correct, especially your bank account information if you're expecting a direct deposit or making a direct debit payment.
Click "Transmit My Returns" or "File Now": Once you're absolutely sure, click the button to send your federal and state returns to the respective tax agencies.
Confirmation of Transmission: TurboTax will display a confirmation message indicating that your return has been transmitted. This is not the same as acceptance. It simply means TurboTax has sent your data.
Step 4: Tracking Your Return Status and Confirmation
After hitting "transmit," the waiting game begins.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
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Sub-heading: IRS Acceptance Notification
For e-filed federal returns:
Email Confirmation: TurboTax will send you an email notification (typically within 24-48 hours) once the IRS has accepted or rejected your federal return.
Accepted: Hooray! This means the IRS has successfully received your return and it's being processed.
Rejected: Don't panic! The email will usually include a reason for the rejection (e.g., incorrect AGI, SSN mismatch, dependent already claimed). TurboTax will guide you on how to correct the issue and re-transmit your return.
"Where's My Refund?" Tool: Once accepted, you can track the status of your federal refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on their website (IRS.gov). You'll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
Sub-heading: State Acceptance Notification
For e-filed state returns:
Separate Email Confirmation: You'll typically receive a separate email from TurboTax regarding the acceptance or rejection of your state return. State processing times can vary.
State Tax Agency Website: Most state tax agencies also have their own "Where's My Refund?" or "Check Your Refund Status" tools on their official websites.
Step 5: Saving and Storing Your Tax Records
This step is often overlooked but is incredibly important.
Save Digital Copies:
PDF of your return: Download and save a PDF copy of your final, filed federal and state returns. This should include all forms and schedules.
Tax Data File: If you're using TurboTax desktop software, save the
.taxdata file. This file allows you to easily import your information for next year's taxes.
Print Physical Copies: Even if you e-file, it's a good practice to print a physical copy of your complete return for your records.
Organize Supporting Documents: Keep all your W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, and any other relevant tax documents organized in a safe place.
How long to keep records?: The IRS generally 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. For certain situations (like claiming a loss from worthless securities), you might need to keep them longer.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Here are some common questions you might have about submitting your TurboTax return:
How to check my federal tax refund status after filing with TurboTax?
You can check your federal tax refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool online at IRS.gov. You'll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
How to check my state tax refund status after filing with TurboTax?
To check your state tax refund status, visit your specific state's Department of Revenue or taxation website. They usually have a dedicated "Where's My Refund?" tool that requires similar information to the federal one.
How to fix a rejected TurboTax return?
If your TurboTax return is rejected, log back into your TurboTax account. It will guide you through the specific reason for the rejection (e.g., incorrect AGI, SSN mismatch) and provide instructions on how to correct the error. Once corrected, you can re-transmit your return.
How to pay taxes owed if I e-file with TurboTax?
When e-filing and you owe taxes, TurboTax offers options like direct debit from your bank account (on a date you choose up to the deadline), paying by credit/debit card (through a third-party processor with a fee), or printing a payment voucher and mailing a check or money order separately.
How to get a copy of my prior year's AGI for e-filing TurboTax?
You can find your prior year's AGI on a copy of your previous year's tax return. If you don't have it, you can access your IRS online account at IRS.gov to view your tax records, or request a tax transcript from the IRS.
How to amend a tax return filed with TurboTax?
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
To amend a tax return previously filed with TurboTax, log back into your TurboTax account. Locate the return you want to amend, and there should be an option or link to "Amend my return." TurboTax will then guide you through the process of making corrections and filing Form 1040-X.
How to avoid common e-filing issues with TurboTax?
To avoid common e-filing issues, always double-check all personal information (names, SSNs, dates of birth), ensure your prior year's AGI is correct, and accurately enter all income and deduction figures from your official tax documents. Use TurboTax's "Complete Check" feature before filing.
How to ensure my TurboTax return is secure when e-filing?
TurboTax uses encryption and other security measures to protect your data during the e-filing process. Always file from a secure internet connection (not public Wi-Fi), ensure your computer has updated antivirus software, and be wary of phishing scams.
How to know if my TurboTax return was successfully accepted?
For federal returns, you'll receive an email from TurboTax confirming whether your return was "Accepted" or "Rejected" by the IRS, usually within 24-48 hours of transmission. State acceptance notifications will follow separately. You can also check the "Where's My Refund?" tools.
How to get my tax refund faster after filing with TurboTax?
To get your tax refund as quickly as possible, e-file your return and choose direct deposit for your refund. This is the fastest method, with most e-filed direct deposit refunds issued within 21 days by the IRS.
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