Filing your taxes can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to the nitty-gritty of how to submit your return. While e-filing has become the standard, sometimes mailing your TurboTax return is necessary or preferred. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the process, step-by-painstaking-step, to ensure your tax return reaches its destination safely and accurately.
Ready to conquer tax season? Let's dive in and get that TurboTax return mailed!
How to Mail Your TurboTax Return: A Comprehensive Guide
Mailing your tax return involves more than just sticking it in an envelope. There are crucial steps to follow to ensure your return is processed correctly and on time.
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| How To Mail Turbotax Return |
Step 1: Decide to Mail and Prepare Your TurboTax Return for Printing
First things first, you need to tell TurboTax that you intend to file by mail, not e-file. This is a critical step, as it ensures the software generates the correct forms and instructions for mailing.
1.1. Choosing to File by Mail in TurboTax Online:
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Sign in to your TurboTax account.
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Once logged in, open your return by selecting "Continue" or "Pick up where we left off."
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Navigate to the "File" section in the menu.
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You'll likely see a few steps. Complete Steps 1 and 2 if you haven't already. Then, select "Start" or "Revisit" next to Step 3.
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On the "We've determined the easiest way to file your taxes" screen, look for the option to "Change" next to the return you want to file.
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On the subsequent screen, select "File by mail" and be sure to "Save."
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Important Note: If the "File by mail" option isn't available, it's often because you previously chose to pay your TurboTax fees through your tax refund. To mail your return, you'll need to change your payment method to a credit or debit card. Once you do this, the "File by mail" option should appear.
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After selecting "File by mail," follow the on-screen instructions to proceed to the printing stage. If you still have outstanding TurboTax fees, you'll be prompted to pay them before you can print.
1.2. Opting for Mail Filing in TurboTax Desktop:
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With your tax return open in your TurboTax Desktop software.
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Go to the "File" tab at the top of the screen.
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Select "Continue."
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On the "E-file Your Federal Return for FREE" screen, choose "File by mail" and then "Continue."
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Keep clicking through the screens until you reach the "Print Tax Return for Mailing" screen.
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Select "Continue" to proceed to the printing instructions.
Step 2: Print Your Return Accurately
Printing your tax return correctly is paramount. TurboTax provides specific instructions to ensure your return is ready for mailing.
2.1. Printing Instructions for TurboTax Online:
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
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After selecting "File by mail" and proceeding, TurboTax will give you clear instructions on how to print your return. This usually involves generating a PDF copy that you can then print.
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Ensure your printer is set up to print standard 8.5" x 11" paper.
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Print all pages of your federal return.
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If you're also mailing a state return, print all pages of that return separately.
2.2. Printing Instructions for TurboTax Desktop:
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Windows Users: On the "Print Tax Return for Mailing" screen, select "Print Returns to Mail," then choose "Preview Print Copy." Once the preview loads, select the printer icon to print.
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Mac Users: After the printing graphic finishes loading, simply select "Print."
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When finished, select "Continue" in TurboTax and follow any additional on-screen instructions.
2.3. General Printing Tips:
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Paper Quality: Use good quality, white, standard 8.5" x 11" paper. Avoid colored paper, as it can reduce readability for scanning by tax authorities.
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Ink Levels: Ensure you have enough ink in your printer to print the entire return without issues. A faded or incomplete printout could lead to delays.
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Two-Sided Printing: While some forms can be printed double-sided, it's generally safer and recommended to print single-sided to avoid any confusion or processing errors by the IRS/state tax agencies.
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Enclosures List: TurboTax often prints an "enclosures list" or instructions on the first page of your printout. This page is vital as it tells you exactly what to include and the order in which to assemble your forms. Do NOT discard this page.
Step 3: Assemble Your Return and Attach Necessary Documents
Once printed, your tax return needs to be assembled correctly. This step is crucial for efficient processing.
3.1. Federal Return Assembly:
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Place your Form 1040 (or 1040-SR for seniors) on top.
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Behind your Form 1040, attach any supporting schedules and forms in the order specified by TurboTax's instructions (usually indicated on the first page of your printout).
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Crucially, attach all supporting documents that show tax withheld. This includes your Form W-2s (from employers), Form 1099s (for various types of income like interest, dividends, or independent contractor payments), and any other statements showing federal tax withholding. Do not staple them together, but attach them to the front of your federal return where indicated.
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If you are enclosing a payment, make sure your check or money order (made payable to the "U.S. Treasury") is attached to Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. This form usually prints with your return if you owe taxes. Place it on top of your 1040, but do not staple your payment directly to your tax return forms.
3.2. State Return Assembly:
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Your state return must be mailed in a separate envelope from your federal return.
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Assemble your state return in the order specified by your state's tax department. TurboTax's state filing instructions (printed with your state return) will provide this order.
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Attach any state-specific W-2s or 1099s that show state tax withheld.
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If you are enclosing a state payment, include it with your state return, often attached to a state-specific payment voucher.
Step 4: Address Your Envelopes Correctly
Mailing addresses vary depending on whether you are sending a federal or state return, and often depend on your specific state or whether you are enclosing a payment.
4.1. Finding the Federal Mailing Address:
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
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TurboTax Instructions: The easiest way to find the correct federal mailing address is to look at the first page of your printed TurboTax federal return. It will explicitly state the IRS mailing address for your specific situation (with or without payment, and based on your state of residence).
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IRS Website: You can also consult the official IRS website. They provide a "Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment" page, which lists addresses by state and whether you are including a payment. A quick search for "IRS where to file paper returns" will lead you there.
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Example (addresses vary, always confirm current year):
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If you live in Florida and are not enclosing a payment, you might send it to: Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301-0002.
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If you live in Florida and are enclosing a payment, you might send it to: Internal Revenue Service, P.O. Box 1214, Charlotte, NC 28201-1214.
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Always double-check the exact address for your specific scenario and tax year.
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4.2. Finding the State Mailing Address:
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TurboTax Instructions: Similar to federal, the mailing address for your state return will be clearly indicated on the first page of your printed TurboTax state return.
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State Department of Revenue Website: If you're unsure or want to double-check, visit your specific state's Department of Revenue or Tax website. They will have a dedicated section for mailing addresses for various forms.
Step 5: Mail Your Returns
You're almost there! This final step requires careful attention to detail.
5.1. Separate Envelopes:
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Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes. Sending them together can cause significant processing delays.
5.2. Postage:
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Ensure you have sufficient postage on each envelope. Tax returns can be bulky, especially with supporting documents, so a standard first-class stamp might not be enough. Take your envelopes to the post office and have them weighed to confirm proper postage.
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Pro Tip: Underpaying postage will result in your return being returned to you, causing delays.
5.3. Proof of Mailing (Highly Recommended):
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For important documents like tax returns, it's highly recommended to use a mailing service that provides proof of mailing and delivery confirmation. Options include:
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USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt: This provides a mailing receipt and electronic verification that the item was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made. The return receipt card provides signed proof of delivery.
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USPS Priority Mail with Tracking: Faster delivery and includes tracking information.
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Private Carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS): These services also offer tracking and delivery confirmation, though they can be more expensive.
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Keep your tracking number and mailing receipt in a safe place. This is your proof that you mailed your return on time.
5.4. Mailing Deadline:
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Be mindful of the tax filing deadline (typically April 15th, or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). Your return must be postmarked by the deadline.
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If dropping off at a post office, confirm the cut-off time for postmarking on the due date.
Step 6: Keep Copies for Your Records
After mailing, it's essential to keep accurate records.
QuickTip: Skim for bold or italicized words.
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Keep a complete copy of your signed tax return (federal and state), including all schedules and forms, and any supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.).
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Store these copies in a safe and accessible place, preferably for at least three years from the date you filed the original return or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. This is the general IRS statute of limitations for auditing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some common questions about mailing your TurboTax return, with quick answers:
How to print only my federal return from TurboTax for mailing?
When you go through the "File by mail" process in TurboTax, you'll typically be given the option to print your federal return separately from your state return. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully.
How to find the correct mailing address for my federal return?
The mailing address for your federal return is provided on the first page of your printed TurboTax federal return instructions. You can also find it on the IRS website under "Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment."
How to find the correct mailing address for my state return?
Your state mailing address will be on the first page of your printed TurboTax state return instructions. Alternatively, visit your specific state's Department of Revenue or Tax website.
How to know if I need to send my W-2s with my mailed return?
Yes, you must attach all original W-2s and any 1099s showing federal income tax withheld to the front of your federal Form 1040. For state returns, attach state-specific W-2s/1099s as instructed.
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
How to ensure my mailed return is postmarked on time?
Mail your return at the post office and confirm with the postal clerk that it will be postmarked by the tax deadline. If using a collection box, ensure it's collected on the deadline day. Consider certified mail for proof.
How to pay my taxes if I'm mailing my return?
If you owe federal taxes, include a check or money order made payable to the "U.S. Treasury" and attach it to Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher. For state taxes, include a check/money order with your state return, often attached to a state-specific payment voucher.
How to get proof that I mailed my TurboTax return?
Use a service like USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt, USPS Priority Mail with Tracking, or a private carrier (FedEx, UPS) that provides tracking and delivery confirmation. Keep your tracking number and mailing receipt.
How to mail prior-year TurboTax returns?
Prior-year returns often cannot be e-filed and must be paper-filed. TurboTax Desktop software for prior years can help you prepare these. The mailing addresses for prior-year federal returns can be found on the IRS website; state addresses on your state's tax website.
How to track my refund if I mailed my return?
Mailed returns take longer to process than e-filed ones. You can typically check the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website (or your state's equivalent) after a few weeks. The IRS usually advises waiting 4 weeks from the mailing date before checking.
How to correct an error on a mailed TurboTax return?
If you discover an error after mailing your return, you will likely need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X for federal (and your state's equivalent for state taxes). Do not try to intercept or resend the original.
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