Signing Your TurboTax Return: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide
It's tax season, and you've diligently worked through your return in TurboTax, entering all your income, deductions, and credits. The finish line is in sight! But before you can hit that "File" button, there's a crucial final step: signing your tax return. This isn't just a formality; it's a legal requirement that confirms the accuracy of the information you've provided.
Whether you're e-filing for speed and convenience or opting for the traditional paper mail method, understanding the signing process in TurboTax is key. Let's dive in and make sure your return is perfectly signed and ready for submission!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Sign? Let's Find Out!
Before we even talk about how to sign, let's confirm you're truly ready. Have you:
Reviewed your entire return thoroughly? This means checking all income, deductions, credits, and personal information for accuracy. A small error here can lead to big headaches later!
Resolved all outstanding errors or warnings in TurboTax? The software is designed to catch potential issues, so make sure you've addressed anything it's flagged.
Gathered all necessary supporting documents? Even if you're e-filing, you should keep all your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and other documentation for your records. The IRS might ask for them later!
If you answered "yes" to all of the above, then fantastic! You're in a good position to proceed. If not, take a moment to go back and double-check. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your taxes.
Step 2: Choosing Your Signing Method: E-file vs. Mail
TurboTax offers two primary ways to "sign" your return, each with its own process:
Sub-heading: E-filing with an Electronic Signature (Recommended for Speed and Convenience)
For most taxpayers, e-filing is the preferred method. It's faster, more secure, and often results in quicker refunds. When you e-file, your "signature" isn't a physical mark on a piece of paper. Instead, it's an electronic authentication.
Sub-heading: Printing and Mailing with a Wet Signature (For those who prefer paper)
While less common now, you can still print your return and mail it. In this scenario, a physical signature is required. This method takes longer for processing and refunds.
Step 3: The E-file Electronic Signature Process
If you're e-filing, the signature process is integrated into the final steps of preparing your return in TurboTax. Here's how it generally works:
Navigate to the File Section: Once you've completed all sections of your tax return and reviewed everything, TurboTax will guide you to the "File" or "E-file" section. This is usually one of the last steps in the software's navigation.
Confirm Your Filing Choice: TurboTax will prompt you to confirm that you wish to e-file your federal and/or state returns. Make sure this is what you intend!
The Self-Select PIN Method: This is the most common way to electronically sign your return in TurboTax. You'll be asked to:
Choose a 5-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN): This can be any five numbers you choose, except all zeros. Think of it like the PIN for your debit card – it's your unique digital signature.
Enter Your Prior Year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI): This is a crucial security measure. The IRS uses your prior year's AGI to verify your identity. You'll find this on your previous year's federal tax return (Form 1040, line 11). Make sure you enter the original AGI, even if you amended that return later. If you're a first-time filer, there will be an option for that, usually by entering "0" for your prior year AGI.
Enter Your Date of Birth: Another piece of identifying information for verification.
Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) (If Applicable): If you've been issued an IP PIN by the IRS to protect against identity theft, you must enter it here. This is an additional layer of security.
Joint Returns Require Two PINs: If you are filing a joint return with your spouse, both you and your spouse will need to enter your own unique 5-digit PINs, your individual prior year AGIs, and your dates of birth. TurboTax will guide each spouse through their respective signing process.
Review and Transmit: After successfully entering your electronic signature details, TurboTax will give you one final opportunity to review your return before transmitting it. Once you're confident, you'll hit the "Transmit" or "Send My Return" button. TurboTax will then send your return electronically to the IRS (and your state, if applicable).
Confirmation of Acceptance: This is a critical step! After transmitting, you'll receive a confirmation email from TurboTax, and later, an email from the IRS (and your state) confirming that your return has been received and accepted. Do not consider your return filed until you receive this acceptance notification. If your return is rejected, TurboTax will provide a reason and guide you on how to correct and retransmit it.
Step 4: Printing and Mailing for a Wet Signature
If for some reason you cannot e-file (perhaps due to specific circumstances or technical limitations) or simply prefer the traditional method, here's how to sign your TurboTax return for mailing:
Select "File by Mail" in TurboTax: In the "File" section of TurboTax, instead of choosing e-file, you'll select the option to "Print and Mail" or "File by Mail."
Generate and Download Your PDF: TurboTax will then generate your complete tax return as a PDF document. You'll be prompted to download or print this PDF. Ensure you have Adobe Reader or a similar PDF viewer installed.
Print Your Return: Print out the entire federal return, and any state returns, that TurboTax generates. Make sure you print all pages, including schedules and worksheets that the IRS requires to be attached.
Locate the Signature Line(s): On Form 1040 (the main federal income tax form), you'll find a "Sign Here" section typically on page 2.
For a single return, there will be one signature line for the taxpayer.
For a joint return, there will be two signature lines: one for the taxpayer and one for the spouse.
Sign in Ink: Using a pen (blue or black ink is generally preferred for official documents), physically sign your name on the designated signature line(s).
For Joint Returns: Both spouses must sign their respective lines. Make sure the signatures are legible and match the names printed on the return.
Date Your Signature: Also, remember to fill in the date next to your signature.
Attach Required Documents (if any): While many documents don't need to be mailed, some circumstances might require you to attach certain forms or statements (e.g., Form W-2, if federal withholding was taken out and you're claiming a refund or if you're attaching Form 8453 for specific supporting documents). TurboTax will usually instruct you if any are needed.
Make a Copy for Your Records: Before mailing, make a complete copy of your signed tax return and all attachments for your personal records. This is crucial for future reference, audits, or if the original gets lost in the mail.
Mail Your Return:
Find the Correct Address: TurboTax will provide the specific IRS mailing address for your return based on your location and whether you're including a payment. Double-check this address carefully!
Use Proper Postage: Ensure you have sufficient postage on the envelope.
Consider Certified Mail: For added peace of mind, especially if you're mailing a substantial refund or payment, consider sending your return via certified mail with a return receipt. This provides proof of mailing and delivery.
Step 5: Special Considerations for Signing
Amended Returns (Form 1040-X): If you need to amend a previously filed return, you'll use Form 1040-X. Even if the original was e-filed, amended returns are typically mailed with a wet signature.
Returns for Minors/Dependents: If you're filing a return for a minor or dependent who cannot sign for themselves, a parent or guardian can sign on their behalf. You'll typically write "By [Your Name], Parent (or Guardian) for [Minor's Name]" on the signature line.
Deceased Taxpayers: If you're filing a final return for a deceased taxpayer, specific rules apply for signing. Generally, the executor or personal representative will sign and include "Deceased," the date of death, and "Personal Representative" or "Executor" next to the signature.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to find my prior year AGI for e-signing in TurboTax?
You can find your prior year AGI on your previous year's federal tax return (Form 1040, line 11). If you don't have a copy, you can request a tax transcript from the IRS for free on their website (IRS.gov/transcript) or by mail.
How to sign a joint tax return in TurboTax when e-filing?
When e-filing a joint return, both spouses will need to electronically sign by providing their own unique 5-digit PIN, their individual prior year Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), and their date of birth. TurboTax will prompt each spouse for this information during the filing process.
How to know if my TurboTax e-filed return has been successfully signed and accepted by the IRS?
You will receive an email from TurboTax (and often directly from the IRS and your state) confirming that your return has been accepted. This acceptance email is your official notification that your electronic signature was valid and your return is being processed.
How to fix an electronic signature error in TurboTax?
If your e-filed return is rejected due to an electronic signature error (often an incorrect AGI), TurboTax will notify you with an error code and explanation. You'll need to go back into the "File" section of TurboTax, correct the AGI or PIN, and then retransmit your return.
How to switch from e-filing to printing and mailing in TurboTax?
In the "File" section of TurboTax, there's usually an option to change your filing method from "E-file" to "Print and Mail." Select this option, and TurboTax will guide you through printing your return for a wet signature.
How to print only the signature page from my TurboTax return?
While you can technically print only the signature page from the PDF of your return, it's generally recommended to print the entire return for mailing. If someone only requests a signed copy, you can print the relevant page, sign it, and provide it, but for official IRS submission, the full return is necessary.
How to sign a TurboTax return if I'm a first-time filer?
If you're a first-time filer and don't have a prior year AGI, TurboTax will typically allow you to enter "0" (zero) for your prior year AGI when electronically signing.
How to sign a tax return for a deceased taxpayer in TurboTax?
If you are the executor or personal representative, you will sign the return and write "Deceased," the date of death, and "Personal Representative" or "Executor" next to your signature. You might also need to attach Form 1310, Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer, if a refund is due.
How to sign a state tax return in TurboTax?
For e-filed state returns, the electronic signature process is usually similar to the federal one, often linked to your federal e-signature or requiring a state-specific PIN or prior year information. If mailing, you'll sign the designated signature line on the state tax form, just as you would for the federal return.
How to keep a record of my signed TurboTax return?
Always save a PDF copy of your entire completed tax return (both federal and state) on your computer or a cloud storage service. If you mail your return, make a physical photocopy of the signed return and all attachments before sending it. Keep these records for at least three years, or longer if you have complex tax situations.