So, you've successfully filed your TurboTax return and are breathing a sigh of relief. That's fantastic! But now you're probably thinking, "How do I get a physical copy of that for my records?" It's a crucial step, and thankfully, TurboTax makes it quite easy.
Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to printing your TurboTax return after filing, whether you used the online version or the desktop software. We'll cover everything you need to know to ensure you have a complete and accurate record of your tax submission.
How to Print Your TurboTax Return After Filing: A Comprehensive Guide
Having a physical copy of your tax return is essential for several reasons: record-keeping, applying for loans, future tax preparation, or in case the IRS has questions. Don't underestimate its importance!
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| How To Print Turbotax Return After Filing |
Step 1: Access Your TurboTax Account and Locate Your Return
Alright, let's get started! The very first thing you need to do is access your TurboTax account. Did you use the online version or the CD/Download desktop software? This distinction is crucial, as the steps vary slightly.
Sub-heading 1.1: For TurboTax Online Users
If you filed your taxes using TurboTax Online, your return is securely stored in your account.
Open your web browser and go to the official TurboTax website:
www.turbotax.com.Click on "Sign In" (usually located in the top right corner).
Enter your User ID and Password. Make sure you're logging into the exact account you used to file your return. Many people create multiple accounts over the years, so double-check if you have trouble finding it.
Once logged in, you'll land on your Tax Home page.
Scroll down to the section titled "Your tax returns & documents". You might need to click on "Show" or "View all tax returns" to expand this section.
Locate the tax year you wish to print. TurboTax typically saves PDF copies of your returns for a 7-year period.
Sub-heading 1.2: For TurboTax CD/Download Software Users
If you used the CD or downloaded software, your tax file is stored directly on your computer, not online (unless you specifically uploaded it).
Open the TurboTax software on the computer you used to prepare your return.
Load the specific tax file for the year you want to print. This file usually has a
.taxextension (e.g.,mytaxes2024.tax).If you can't find the file, search your computer's hard drive for
.taxfiles. It's often in your "Documents" folder or a "TurboTax" subfolder.Remember: If you switch computers or your hard drive crashes, you'll need a backup of this file to access your return.
Step 2: Navigate to the Print Center (TurboTax Online) or Print Menu (Desktop)
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
Now that you've located your return, it's time to find the printing options.
Sub-heading 2.1: For TurboTax Online Users
From the "Your tax returns & documents" section, once you've selected the correct year, you'll typically see an option like "Download/print return (PDF)". Click on this.
Alternatively, especially for the current year's return if you've just filed, you might need to go back into your return as if you were going to make changes (even if you're not).
On your Tax Home page, look for "Tax Tools" in the left-hand menu.
Click on "Print Center".
Then, select "Print, save, or preview this year's return".
You might be prompted to pay any outstanding TurboTax fees at this point if you haven't already. You must pay the fees to access and print your full return.
Sub-heading 2.2: For TurboTax CD/Download Software Users
Once your tax file is open in the TurboTax software, look for the "File" menu at the top of the screen (or "TurboTax" menu if you're on a Mac).
From the "File" menu, select "Print" or "Print/Save for Your Records".
Step 3: Choose Your Printing Options and Generate the PDF
This is where you specify exactly what you want to print.
Sub-heading 3.1: Selecting Your Documents
When the print window or options appear, you'll usually have choices like:
Your Tax Return (for your records): This is what you want! It typically includes all government forms (Form 1040, schedules, etc.) and any TurboTax worksheets that detail your calculations. This is the most comprehensive option.
Government Forms Only: This will just print the forms submitted to the IRS.
Specific Forms: If you only need a particular form (e.g., a Schedule C), you might have an option to select it.
Filing Instructions: This provides guidance on what to do with your printed return, especially if you're mailing it.
Pro Tip: Always choose the option that includes both government forms and TurboTax worksheets for your personal records. This provides the most complete documentation.
Sub-heading 3.2: Generating the PDF
After selecting your desired documents, click "Preview Print Copy" (or similar wording).
This action will typically generate a PDF (Portable Document Format) version of your tax return. This PDF will open in a new window or your default PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Ensure you have a PDF reader installed on your computer. Most computers come with one, but if not, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
Step 4: Print Your Return from the PDF Viewer
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You're almost there! The PDF is generated, and now it's time to send it to your printer.
Once the PDF of your return opens, look for the printer icon in the toolbar of the PDF viewer. Click on it.
A standard print dialogue box will appear. Here, you can:
Select your printer: Make sure the correct printer is chosen.
Choose the number of copies: Typically, one copy for your records is sufficient, but you might want an extra if you need to provide it to someone else (e.g., for a loan application).
Specify page range: Usually, you'll want to print "All" pages.
Adjust other settings: Such as paper size, orientation, and color (though tax returns are usually black and white).
After reviewing your settings, click "Print".
Step 5: Save a Digital Copy for Future Reference
Printing a physical copy is excellent, but saving a digital PDF copy is just as important. This provides a convenient backup and easy access for digital sharing when needed.
Sub-heading 5.1: Saving the PDF from TurboTax Online
When you click "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Preview Print Copy," the PDF usually opens in your browser.
Look for a "Download" icon (often a downward arrow) in your browser's PDF viewer.
Clicking this will prompt you to save the file to your computer.
Choose a safe and memorable location, like your "Documents" folder, and give it a clear name (e.g., "TaxReturn_2024_YourName.pdf").
Sub-heading 5.2: Saving the PDF from TurboTax CD/Download Software
After generating the PDF in the desktop software:
In the PDF viewer, look for a "Save" or "Save As" option (often a floppy disk icon or under the "File" menu).
Select a location on your computer and save the PDF with a descriptive name.
Recommendation: Save your PDF copy to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and/or an external hard drive for extra security and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Printing TurboTax Returns
Here are 10 common questions related to printing your TurboTax return, with quick answers:
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
How to print my federal and state returns separately after filing?
In TurboTax Online's Print Center, or within the desktop software's print options, you'll usually have the choice to print federal, state, or both. Select only the federal or state return as needed before generating the PDF.
How to access old TurboTax returns to print them?
Log into your TurboTax Online account and navigate to "Your tax returns & documents." You'll see a list of prior years. Select the year you need, and then choose "Download/print return (PDF)." For desktop users, locate the .tax file on your computer.
How to print a TurboTax return if I no longer have access to the computer I filed it on (for desktop users)?
If you used the desktop software and don't have a backup of the .tax file, you won't be able to access it directly from TurboTax. You would need to request a transcript or a copy of your return from the IRS using Form 4506.
How to print a TurboTax return if my e-file was rejected?
If your e-file was rejected, your return isn't officially filed. You'll need to correct the errors in TurboTax, then either re-e-file or choose to print and mail your return. The printing process is the same as described above once you're ready to file by mail.
How to print only specific forms from my TurboTax return?
When you access the print options in TurboTax (either online Print Center or desktop's File > Print), there's typically an option to "Print specific forms." You can then select the exact forms you need, such as a W-2 or Schedule C.
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
How to print my TurboTax return if I forgot my User ID or Password?
Go to the TurboTax sign-in page and look for "Forgot User ID?" or "Forgot Password?" links. Follow the recovery steps, which often involve providing your email address or phone number associated with the account.
How to ensure my printed TurboTax return includes all worksheets?
When you select the print option, choose the selection that explicitly states "for your records" or "include government and TurboTax worksheets." This option typically ensures you get a complete printout.
How to print a return if I used the free version of TurboTax and haven't paid?
Even with the free version, if there are any associated fees for filing certain forms or state returns, you typically need to pay those fees before you can download or print your complete return.
How to save my TurboTax return as a PDF instead of printing?
When the PDF of your return opens (after selecting print/preview), look for a "Save" or "Download" icon within your PDF viewer or web browser. This allows you to save the file to your computer without printing.
How to get a copy of my tax return if I didn't use TurboTax for filing?
If you didn't use TurboTax, you'll need to contact the tax software provider you used, or, for official copies, request a tax transcript or a copy of your return directly from the IRS using Form 4506.
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