Navigating tax season can be daunting, but with tools like TurboTax, it becomes significantly more manageable. While TurboTax excels at e-filing directly with the IRS, there might be times when you need a physical or digital copy of your tax return for other purposes – perhaps for a loan application, a financial advisor, or simply for your own records. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of getting your tax return from TurboTax so you can email it.
Important Disclaimer: You cannot email your tax return directly to the IRS. The IRS only accepts tax returns through e-filing via authorized providers like TurboTax, or by mail. This guide focuses on obtaining a copy of your return from TurboTax to then email to yourself or a trusted third party, such as a financial advisor or lender. Always exercise extreme caution when emailing sensitive financial documents like tax returns, and consider using secure, encrypted methods whenever possible.
Ready to get started? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Accessing Your TurboTax Account and Locating Your Return
Are you ready to retrieve your tax return? Fantastic! This first step is all about getting into your TurboTax account and finding the specific tax year you need.
1.1 Logging In to TurboTax Online
Open your web browser and go to the official TurboTax website.
Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your User ID or email address and your password. If you've forgotten your credentials, use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links to recover them.
Once logged in, you'll typically land on your Tax Home dashboard.
1.2 Navigating to Your Past Returns
On your Tax Home screen, look for a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar. This section often displays your current and prior year tax returns.
You might need to scroll down the page to find it.
Click on the specific tax year for which you need the return. TurboTax usually lists them clearly by year (e.g., "2024 Tax Return," "2023 Tax Return").
Step 2: Downloading Your Tax Return as a PDF
Now that you're in the right place, the next crucial step is to download your tax return in a universally readable format: a PDF. This is the only way you'll be able to email it.
2.1 Finding the Print/Download Option
Once you've selected the desired tax year, you'll usually see options related to that return. Look for a button or link that says "Download/print return (PDF)," "Print Center," or "Print, save, or preview this year's return."
The exact wording may vary slightly depending on whether you used TurboTax Online or the CD/Download version, and the year of the return.
For TurboTax Online Users:
After selecting your tax year, you may need to go to "Tax Tools" (usually on the left-hand menu) and then select "Print Center."
From there, choose "Print, save, or preview this year's return."
For TurboTax CD/Download Users:
With your tax return open in the software, look for the "File" tab in the top menu bar.
Select "Print/Save for your Records."
You'll then typically see an option to "Save as PDF."
2.2 Selecting What to Download
After choosing the print/download option, you might be presented with choices regarding what parts of your return you want to download. Common options include:
"Just my tax return": This usually includes the primary forms (e.g., Form 1040, state forms).
"Tax return, all forms, and worksheets": This is often the most comprehensive option and is generally recommended for your records or if a recipient needs all supporting documentation.
"Tax return and government forms": This might include the main tax forms plus any official schedules.
Choose the option that best suits your needs. For emailing to a third party, they will usually specify what they require. For your own records, selecting "Tax return, all forms, and worksheets" is a good practice.
2.3 Saving the PDF to Your Device
Once you've made your selection, TurboTax will generate the PDF.
A new window or tab will likely open, displaying your tax return as a PDF.
Look for the download icon (often an arrow pointing down) or a "Save" or "Download" button within the PDF viewer.
Click this button to save the PDF file to your computer's Downloads folder or a location of your choice.
Give the file a clear, descriptive name like "_[Your Name]2024_Tax_Return.pdf" so you can easily find it later.
Step 3: Preparing to Email Your Tax Return (Security First!)
Before you hit send, it's absolutely critical to consider the security implications of emailing such sensitive information.
3.1 Password Protecting Your PDF (Highly Recommended!)
While TurboTax doesn't offer built-in PDF password protection directly during the download process for all versions/years, you can use external tools to do so. Many PDF viewers (like Adobe Acrobat Reader DC – the free version) allow you to save a copy with a password.
How to Password Protect a PDF (General Method):
Open the downloaded tax return PDF in a PDF viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Chrome's built-in PDF viewer, etc.).
Go to File > Print.
Instead of selecting your physical printer, choose "Print to PDF" or "Microsoft Print to PDF" (if on Windows) as your printer.
In the print dialog, look for "Properties," "Preferences," or "Advanced Options." This is where some PDF printers offer security settings.
Alternatively, for more robust password protection, you can use a dedicated PDF editor (some free online options exist, but be cautious about uploading sensitive documents to unknown websites). A safer bet is a standalone PDF application.
When prompted, set a strong password for the PDF.
Save this new, password-protected PDF with a slightly different name (e.g., "_[Your Name]2024_Tax_Return_Protected.pdf").
3.2 Composing Your Email
Open your preferred email client (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).
Create a new email.
Recipient: Enter the email address of the person or entity requesting your tax return. Double-check for accuracy!
Subject Line: Make it clear and concise, for example: "Tax Return for [Your Name] - Tax Year 2024"
Body of the Email:
Politely state the purpose of the email. For instance: "Please find attached my 2024 tax return as requested."
If you password-protected the PDF, this is crucial: Send the password in a separate email or via a different communication method (e.g., a text message, phone call). Never send the password in the same email as the protected file. This significantly enhances security.
You might add a brief note about the contents (e.g., "This PDF includes federal and state returns with all supporting worksheets.").
Conclude with a professional closing.
3.3 Attaching the PDF
Look for the "Attach file" or paperclip icon in your email composition window.
Navigate to the folder where you saved your password-protected (if applicable) tax return PDF.
Select the file and click "Open" or "Attach."
Verify that the correct file is attached before sending.
Step 4: Sending and Confirming
You're almost there! A few final checks will ensure your tax return reaches its destination safely.
4.1 Reviewing Your Email
Before clicking "Send," take a moment to review everything:
Is the recipient's email address correct?
Is the subject line clear?
Is the body of the email professional and informative (especially regarding the password, if used)?
Is the correct PDF file attached?
4.2 Sending the Email
Once you're confident, click the "Send" button.
4.3 Confirming Receipt (Optional but Recommended)
It's a good practice to follow up with the recipient to confirm they received the email and can open the attachment (especially if it's password-protected). A quick, polite email or phone call can save potential headaches later.
Variety of Styling in Action!
As you can see throughout this guide, we've used a mix of italicized text for emphasis, bold text for important keywords and actions, and regular prose to provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This helps to break up the information and highlight key points, making the guide easier to read and follow. Remember, when dealing with sensitive information like tax returns, clarity and security are paramount!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related "How to" FAQ questions with quick answers:
How to: View my tax return in TurboTax Online before printing?
You can usually view your return as a PDF preview within the "Print Center" or "Download/print return" section before committing to printing or saving.
How to: Get a copy of my tax return if I used TurboTax CD/Download version?
If you used the CD/Download version, your tax return files (including the .tax file and any PDFs you saved) are stored directly on your computer where you installed the software. You'll open the software and use the "File" menu to print or save as PDF.
How to: Access prior year tax returns in TurboTax?
Log in to your TurboTax account, navigate to "Your tax returns & documents" on your Tax Home dashboard, and select the desired tax year from the list.
How to: Print only specific pages of my tax return from TurboTax?
When the PDF of your tax return opens, use your PDF viewer's print function (usually File > Print). In the print dialog box, you'll have an option to specify page ranges to print or save.
How to: Convert my tax return to a different file type after downloading from TurboTax?
Once your tax return is a PDF, you would need a PDF converter tool (either online or a desktop application) to convert it to another file type, such as a Word document or image. However, a PDF is generally the preferred format for sharing tax documents.
How to: Find my AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) from a prior year in TurboTax?
Your AGI is typically found on Line 11 of your IRS Form 1040 for recent tax years. You can access your prior year return in TurboTax and locate this line.
How to: Share my tax return with a tax professional using a secure method other than email?
Many tax professionals use secure client portals or encrypted file-sharing services. Ask your tax professional what secure method they prefer for sharing sensitive documents.
How to: Know if my e-filed return was accepted by the IRS via TurboTax?
TurboTax will send you emails notifying you of your federal and state e-file status (submitted, accepted, or rejected). You can also check your e-file status directly on the TurboTax website.
How to: Correct a mistake on my tax return after filing with TurboTax?
If you discover a mistake after filing, you will likely need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal). TurboTax provides guidance on how to amend your return.
How to: Contact TurboTax support if I'm having trouble downloading my return?
Visit the TurboTax support website (