It's great that you're taking on the responsibility of filing multiple tax returns! Whether you're helping family, friends, or simply managing your own complex tax situation, TurboTax can be a powerful tool. However, there's a crucial point to understand upfront:
The IRS has a strict limit on the number of federal tax returns an individual can e-file using consumer tax software like TurboTax. This limit is typically FIVE (5) federal returns per year per software package/license or email address.
This isn't a TurboTax limitation, but rather an IRS regulation designed to differentiate between individual filers and professional tax preparers. If you are preparing returns for others for a fee, you are considered a professional preparer and should be using professional tax software (like Intuit's ProSeries or Lacerte), which allows for unlimited e-filing.
So, the "how to e-file more than 5 returns in TurboTax" question really becomes: "How do I manage and file more than 5 returns when TurboTax limits e-filing?"
Let's break down your options and the step-by-step process.
Mastering Multiple Tax Returns: Beyond the TurboTax E-File Limit
Are you finding yourself with more than five federal tax returns to file this year and wondering how TurboTax fits into the picture? Perhaps you're a benevolent family member assisting your loved ones, or you have a complex personal financial landscape. Whatever your reason, navigating the e-file limit can seem daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the realities of the IRS e-file limit and provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to manage and successfully file all your returns.
Understanding the Landscape: The IRS 5-Return E-File Rule
Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify the most important piece of information:
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposes a limit of five (5) electronically filed federal tax returns from a single software product or email address for individual taxpayers.
This means that if you own a TurboTax desktop software license or use a single TurboTax online account, you are generally limited to e-filing a maximum of five federal returns. This rule is in place to ensure that individuals are not acting as unlicensed professional tax preparers.
What does this mean for you? If you have 6, 7, or even 10 returns to prepare, you can absolutely prepare them all using your TurboTax software. The limitation only applies to the electronic filing of those returns.
Step 1: Identify Your Returns and Their Complexity
Let's start by getting organized! Before you even open TurboTax, take a moment to list out all the returns you need to prepare.
1.1 Gather Your Information:
Who are these returns for? (e.g., yourself, spouse, children, parents, other family members you are helping)
What type of return is it? (e.g., simple W-2, self-employment/Schedule C, rental property, investments, etc.)
Do any of these individuals qualify for free filing options? (e.g., very low income may qualify for IRS Free File partners, separate from TurboTax's offerings). This could potentially free up one of your 5 e-files within TurboTax if someone else can file through a different portal.
Understanding the complexity of each return will help you decide which ones to prioritize for e-filing and which might be better suited for paper filing.
1.2 Prioritize Your E-Files:
Since you have a limit of 5 e-files, consider which returns would benefit most from the speed and efficiency of e-filing. Generally, this would be your most complex returns or those for which a quick refund is desired.
Mark down which 5 federal returns you intend to e-file through your TurboTax software. The remaining returns will need to be filed via mail.
Step 2: Utilizing TurboTax Desktop Software for Multiple Returns
If you're using the desktop version of TurboTax (CD/Download), you have the most flexibility for preparing multiple returns.
2.1 Installing and Opening TurboTax:
Install your TurboTax desktop software on your computer.
Launch the program.
2.2 Creating a New Return:
For each new return you want to prepare, go to the "File" menu at the top of the TurboTax program.
Select "New Tax Return."
Important Note: TurboTax often defaults to saving returns with a generic name (e.g., "2024 Smith J Form 1040 Individual Tax Return"). It is crucial to rename each file immediately using "File" -> "Save As" to a unique and identifiable name (e.g., "2024_John_Doe_Tax_Return" or "2024_My_Business_Return"). This prevents accidentally overwriting another return, especially if you have individuals with similar names.
2.3 Preparing Each Return:
Proceed to complete each tax return thoroughly, entering all relevant income, deductions, and credits. TurboTax will guide you step-by-step as usual.
Remember to save your work frequently!
2.4 Handling State Returns:
With TurboTax desktop, you typically get one state download included with your federal software. Additional states may cost extra.
You can prepare multiple state returns for each federal return you prepare.
E-filing state returns may incur an additional fee per state. However, you can always print and mail state returns to avoid these fees if desired.
Step 3: Navigating E-Filing for the First Five Returns
Once your returns are prepared, it's time to handle the e-filing process for your chosen five.
3.1 Review and Double-Check:
Before filing, run TurboTax's "Review" function on each of the five returns you plan to e-file. This will help catch any errors or omissions.
Take your time here; accuracy is key!
3.2 Initiate E-Filing:
For each of the selected five returns, navigate to the "File" or "E-File" section within TurboTax.
Follow the prompts to transmit the federal and any associated state returns electronically.
You will receive confirmation from TurboTax when the returns have been successfully submitted. Keep these confirmations for your records.
Note: If you attempt to e-file a sixth federal return using the same TurboTax software license, you will typically receive an error message indicating that you have reached your e-file limit.
Step 4: Successfully Filing Returns Beyond the E-File Limit
For any federal returns beyond your initial five e-files, you will need to revert to the traditional method of paper filing.
4.1 Print Your Returns:
Open each of the remaining federal returns in TurboTax.
Go to the "File" menu and select "Print" or "Print for Filing."
Ensure you print all required forms and schedules, including any necessary payment vouchers (e.g., Form 1040-V). Print two copies: one to mail to the IRS and one for your personal records.
4.2 Sign and Date:
Crucially, sign and date your federal tax return (Form 1040) in the designated area. If it's a joint return, both filers must sign.
Attach any required forms, such as your W-2s or 1099s.
4.3 Mail Your Returns:
Place the signed return and all attachments into an envelope.
Find the correct IRS mailing address for your state and the type of return you are filing. You can usually find this information directly from the IRS website (irs.gov) or within TurboTax's print instructions.
Consider sending your return via certified mail with a return receipt requested. This provides proof of mailing and delivery, which can be invaluable if there are any questions from the IRS later.
4.4 Handling State Returns (Paper Filing):
Similarly, print and sign any state returns that you chose not to e-file or that are associated with the paper-filed federal returns.
Locate the correct mailing address for your state's department of revenue.
Mail these separately from your federal return.
Step 5: Record Keeping and Follow-Up
Proper record-keeping is essential for all tax returns, especially when managing multiple filings.
5.1 Organize Your Records:
Create a dedicated folder for each tax year, and within that, a sub-folder for each individual's return.
Keep copies of everything: the prepared tax return, W-2s, 1099s, receipts, confirmations of e-filing, and proof of mailing for paper returns.
5.2 Track Your Returns:
For e-filed returns, monitor their status through TurboTax's e-file tracking feature or the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool (for federal refunds).
For paper-filed returns, note the date you mailed them. While there isn't a direct tracking tool like e-file, certified mail will give you delivery confirmation.
Be patient with paper-filed returns; they generally take significantly longer to process than e-filed returns.
Alternative Considerations (Not Recommended for Non-Professionals)
While this guide focuses on working within the IRS's consumer e-file limits, it's worth briefly touching on other scenarios:
Professional Tax Software: If you regularly prepare more than five returns for others, especially for a fee, you must register with the IRS as an authorized e-file provider and use professional tax preparation software. This is a legal requirement.
Multiple TurboTax Accounts (Online Version): For TurboTax Online, each return typically requires a separate account and user ID. While you might be able to use the same email address for multiple accounts, each return will generally incur its own fee. This approach can quickly become more expensive than the desktop software for multiple returns. Additionally, the IRS 5-return limit may still apply per email address even with separate online accounts, making paper filing for the excess returns the only compliant option.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my e-file status in TurboTax?
You can usually check your e-file status directly within your TurboTax software (desktop) or your TurboTax online account. Additionally, you can use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool for federal returns or your state's tax website for state refunds.
How to print a copy of my tax return from TurboTax?
Open the desired tax return in TurboTax, navigate to the "File" menu, and select "Print." You'll usually have options to print specific forms or the entire return.
How to avoid state e-file fees in TurboTax?
To avoid state e-file fees, you can choose to print your state tax return and mail it in, rather than e-filing. TurboTax allows you to prepare the state return even if you don't e-file it.
How to add a new state return in TurboTax desktop?
If you've already completed your federal return, go to the "State" tab or section within TurboTax desktop, and it will guide you through adding a new state or accessing the existing state program. You may need to purchase an additional state program depending on your TurboTax version.
How to open a previously saved tax return in TurboTax?
From the TurboTax desktop software, go to the "File" menu and select "Open Tax Return." Navigate to where you saved your .tax file and select it.
How to amend a tax return in TurboTax?
In TurboTax desktop, open the return you wish to amend. Look for an option like "Amend a Filed Return" or "Start an Amendment" within the program's navigation. TurboTax will then guide you through the process of making corrections and generating the Form 1040-X.
How to switch between different tax returns in TurboTax desktop?
You can switch between open tax returns by going to the "File" menu and looking for a list of "Recent Tax Returns" or "Open Tax Return." If you have multiple returns open, they might also appear in a "Window" menu.
How to ensure all necessary forms are included when printing for mail?
When you choose to print for filing in TurboTax, the software is designed to include all the forms and schedules required by the IRS and your state. Always review the printed package before mailing to ensure everything looks correct.
How to find the correct mailing address for paper filing?
The correct mailing addresses for paper-filed federal returns can be found on the IRS website (irs.gov) under "Where to File" for your specific form (e.g., Form 1040). For state returns, visit your individual state's Department of Revenue website.
How to know if I should use professional tax software instead of TurboTax?
You should consider using professional tax software if you are preparing tax returns for others as a business or for a fee, regardless of the number of returns. The IRS requires paid preparers to register and use specific software. If you're simply helping a few family members without charging a fee, sticking to the 5 e-file limit and paper-filing the rest with TurboTax is generally acceptable.