Feeling a little old school this tax season? While e-filing has become the norm, filing your taxes by mail with TurboTax is absolutely still an option, especially if you prefer a tangible record or have certain unique filing situations. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it sounds! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your tax return makes its way to the IRS accurately and securely.
Ready to ditch the digital for a paper trail? Let's get started!
Step 1: Complete Your Tax Return in TurboTax (The Digital Part)
Before you can mail anything, you need to prepare your tax return. TurboTax, whether the online version or the desktop software, is designed to guide you through this process efficiently.
Using TurboTax Online:
Log In or Create an Account: If you've used TurboTax before, simply log in to your existing account. New to TurboTax? You'll need to create a new account to begin.
Choose Your Product: Select the TurboTax Online product that best suits your tax situation (e.g., Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed).
Enter Your Information: This is where you input all your tax-related data. Be meticulous here! Double-check every number from your W-2s, 1099s, and any other income or deduction documents. TurboTax will prompt you for all the necessary details.
Review Your Return: Once you've entered all your information, TurboTax will conduct a thorough review. Pay close attention to any warnings or suggestions. This is your chance to catch errors before printing.
Using TurboTax Desktop Software:
Install the Software: If you purchased the desktop version, install it on your computer.
Launch and Update: Open the software and ensure it's updated to the latest version. This is crucial for accurate calculations and the most recent tax laws.
Import or Manually Enter Data: You can often import data from previous year's TurboTax returns or directly from participating financial institutions. Otherwise, you'll manually enter your income, deductions, and credits.
Run Error Checks: The desktop software also has built-in error checks. Don't skip this step! It can identify potential issues that could lead to delays or rejections.
Step 2: Navigate to the "Print & Mail" Option
Once your tax return is complete and you've thoroughly reviewed it, it's time to prepare it for printing.
Find the Filing Options: In TurboTax Online, you'll typically find the filing options under a "File" or "Finish & File" section. For desktop software, it's usually within the "File" menu or a similar designated area.
Select "Print & Mail": When prompted to choose how you want to file, make sure you select the "Print & Mail" or "File by Mail" option. Do not select e-file if your intention is to mail your return.
Step 3: Print Your Federal and State Returns
TurboTax will generate your official tax forms in a printable format, usually a PDF.
Important Printing Tips:
Print All Required Forms: TurboTax will clearly indicate which forms you need to print and include in your mailed return. This typically includes your Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for seniors), and any associated schedules (like Schedule A for itemized deductions, Schedule C for business income, etc.). Don't forget your state return if you have one! State tax returns are generally separate and need to be mailed to different addresses.
High-Quality Print: Ensure your printer has enough ink and paper, and that the print quality is clear and legible. Faded or blurry printouts can cause processing delays.
Single-Sided Printing is Preferred (but not always required): While some sources indicate the IRS can process double-sided, it's generally safer and often recommended to print your return single-sided to avoid any scanning issues on their end.
Keep a Copy for Your Records: This is crucial! Print an extra copy of your entire return for your personal records. You may need this for future reference, audits, or applying for loans.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tax Package
This is where organization is key. Improper assembly can lead to your return being sent back or significantly delayed.
Federal Return Assembly:
Form 1040 (or 1040-SR): This is the main federal income tax form. It should always be on top.
Supporting Schedules: Immediately behind Form 1040, attach any schedules in the order listed on the "sequence number" in the upper right corner of each schedule. For example, Schedule A comes before Schedule B, etc.
W-2s and 1099s with Withholding: This is a common point of confusion. If you have tax withheld (e.g., from your employer's W-2 or certain 1099s), you must attach the official copy (Copy B) of these forms to the front of your federal return. Do not staple them in the middle of the return. If you have multiple W-2s, attach them all.
Form 1040-V (Payment Voucher - If Applicable): If you owe federal taxes, TurboTax will generate a Form 1040-V payment voucher. This should be placed on top of your tax return, but do not staple your payment to it. We'll cover payment in the next step.
Other Supporting Documents (as required): Some situations may require additional documentation. TurboTax's instructions will usually specify if you need to include anything else. Do not include any personal documents not specifically requested.
State Return Assembly:
Follow State-Specific Instructions: Each state has its own unique filing requirements and order of documents. Refer to the printing instructions provided by TurboTax for your specific state(s). Generally, the main state income tax form will be on top, followed by any state-specific schedules and forms.
Attach State Withholding Forms: Some states may require you to attach copies of W-2s or other forms showing state withholding. Again, refer to your state's instructions.
Step 5: Sign and Date Your Returns
Sign and Date Federal Return: Both spouses must sign and date the federal Form 1040 if filing jointly. Ensure your signature is legible and matches the name on the return.
Sign and Date State Return: Similarly, sign and date your state tax return(s). If filing jointly, both spouses typically need to sign.
Do Not Forget! Missing signatures are a common reason for returns to be rejected or delayed.
Step 6: Make Your Payment (If Applicable)
If you owe federal or state taxes, you'll need to send a payment.
For Federal Taxes:
Check or Money Order: Make your check or money order payable to the United States Treasury.
Include Key Information: On the memo line of your check or money order, write:
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Your daytime phone number
The tax year (e.g., "2024 Form 1040")
The related tax form (e.g., "Form 1040")
Do Not Attach Payment to Return: Do NOT staple or paperclip your check or money order to your Form 1040-V or your tax return. Simply place it loosely with the Form 1040-V in the same envelope.
For State Taxes:
Follow State Payment Instructions: Each state has its own rules for making payments by mail. This might involve a specific payment voucher or making the check payable to a different entity (e.g., "State of [Your State]").
Include Required Information: Similar to federal payments, write your SSN, tax year, and related form on the memo line.
Step 7: Address and Mail Your Returns
This is a critical step to ensure your return reaches the correct destination.
Finding the Correct Address:
TurboTax Instructions: The printed filing instructions from TurboTax will provide the precise mailing addresses for both your federal and state returns. These addresses can vary based on your location and whether you're sending a payment.
IRS Website: You can also find the official IRS mailing addresses on their website:
irs.gov/filing/where-to-file-paper-tax-returns-with-or-without-a-payment State Tax Agency Website: For your state return, visit your state's department of revenue or tax agency website to confirm the correct mailing address.
Mailing Guidelines:
Separate Envelopes: Always mail your federal and state returns in separate envelopes. They go to different addresses.
Correct Postage: Ensure you use sufficient postage. A standard first-class stamp may not be enough for a bulky tax return. Take it to the post office to have it weighed if you're unsure.
Certified Mail with Return Receipt (Highly Recommended!): This is the gold standard for mailing important documents like tax returns. Certified mail provides proof that you mailed it, and a return receipt provides proof that the IRS or state tax agency received it. This can be invaluable if there are ever any questions about your filing.
Postmark Deadline: Your return must be postmarked by the tax deadline (typically April 15th, or October 15th if you filed an extension). If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is usually the next business day.
Step 8: Keep Excellent Records
After you've mailed your return, your job isn't quite done. Good record-keeping is essential.
Retain Copies: Keep your personal copy of your signed tax return, all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, etc.), and proof of mailing (certified mail receipt).
Digital Backups: Consider scanning your mailed return and all supporting documents and saving them to a secure cloud storage service or external hard drive.
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, you may need to keep them longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to know if TurboTax will let me mail my return?
TurboTax Online and desktop software both offer the option to print and mail your return. When you reach the filing section, you'll be presented with choices, including e-file and mail.
How to attach W-2s to my mailed TurboTax return?
Attach Copy B of your W-2 forms (and any 1099s with federal income tax withheld) to the front of your federal Form 1040, usually by stapling them in the designated area. Do not staple them in the middle of the return.
How to send payment with my mailed TurboTax return?
If you owe, make a check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury" (for federal) or your state's equivalent. Do not staple the payment to your return. Place it loosely with the payment voucher (Form 1040-V for federal) in the same envelope as your tax return.
How to find the correct mailing address for my TurboTax return?
The printed filing instructions from TurboTax will contain the exact mailing addresses for both your federal and state returns. These addresses can also be found on the IRS website and your state's tax agency website.
How to ensure my mailed return is received by the IRS?
Use certified mail with a return receipt. This provides proof of mailing and proof of delivery, which is invaluable for your records.
How to track my mailed tax refund from the IRS?
Once you've mailed your return, you can use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool online or via the IRS2Go app. Allow four weeks after mailing your paper return before checking its status.
How to avoid common errors when filing TurboTax by mail?
Double-check all personal information (SSN, name, address).
Sign and date both federal and state returns.
Attach all required documents (especially W-2s with withholding).
Use the correct mailing addresses for federal and state returns.
Ensure sufficient postage.
How to handle an extension if I file by mail?
If you filed an extension (Form 4868), you still need to mail your complete tax return by the extended deadline (usually October 15th). Remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay.
How to get a copy of a prior year's TurboTax return for mailing?
You can access and print prior-year returns from your TurboTax Online account or desktop software. Be aware that preparing and e-filing prior-year returns online might have limitations; you may need to purchase desktop software for older tax years.
How to know if I need to mail a state tax return in addition to federal?
Most states with an income tax require you to file a separate state tax return. TurboTax will guide you through preparing your state return if needed, and you will mail it to your state's tax agency at a separate address.
