Keeping a physical copy of your tax return is crucial for your records, whether it's for future reference, audit protection, or simply peace of mind. TurboTax makes this process relatively straightforward, whether you've used their online platform or desktop software. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you get that vital paper copy of your tax return.
Ready to get your hands on that tax return? Let's dive in!
Before we start, do you know which version of TurboTax you used – the online version (accessed through a web browser) or the desktop software (installed on your computer)? The steps vary slightly, so knowing this will help us guide you effectively!
Step 1: Accessing Your Tax Return in TurboTax
The first hurdle is finding your completed tax return within the TurboTax environment.
For TurboTax Online Users:
If you prepared your taxes using TurboTax Online, your return is stored securely in your account.
Logging In: Open your web browser and go to the TurboTax website. Log in to your account using your User ID and password.
Navigating to Your Returns:
Once logged in, you should see your Tax Home.
Scroll down the page until you find a section titled "Your tax returns & documents" or similar.
You might see a list of tax years. Select the year for the return you wish to print.
Look for an option like "Download/print return (PDF)" or "View all tax returns" and then select the specific year. This will usually initiate the download of your tax return as a PDF.
Using the Print Center (If Available): Some users might find a "Tax Tools" option in the left-hand menu. Clicking on this often reveals a "Print Center." Here, you can usually select "Print, save, or preview this year's return" and follow the prompts.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) Users:
If you installed TurboTax on your computer, your tax file (.tax file) is stored locally.
Opening the Software: Launch the TurboTax software on your computer.
Opening Your Return:
From the main screen, you should see an option to "Open an existing return" or similar. Navigate to where you saved your
.taxfile.Double-click on your tax file to open your return within the software.
Step 2: Preparing Your Return for Printing
Once you have your tax return open, there are a few important considerations before hitting the print button.
2.1 Ensuring Your Return is Complete and Paid (If Applicable)
Completion: Make sure you have completed the entire tax return process, including the "Review" and "File" sections. TurboTax often won't allow you to print a complete, official copy until these steps are finalized.
Payment: For paid versions of TurboTax Online, you typically need to pay for your return before the full printing options become available. TurboTax Free Edition users don't need to pay, but still usually have to go through the filing steps to reach the print option.
2.2 Deciding What to Print
TurboTax usually gives you several options for what to include in your printout:
Official Tax Return (for IRS/State Filing): This is the primary document you'll want, containing all the forms submitted to the government.
Tax Return with Worksheets: This option includes all the official forms plus the detailed worksheets that TurboTax used to calculate your figures. This is highly recommended for your personal records, as it provides a transparent breakdown of how your tax liability was determined.
Specific Forms: Sometimes, you might only need a copy of a particular form (e.g., your 1040, Schedule C). TurboTax generally allows you to select specific forms to print.
Client Copy/Preparer Copy: These are often available in professional versions but might appear as options in consumer versions, offering different levels of detail.
It's generally recommended to print the "Tax Return with Worksheets" for your records.
Step 3: The Printing Process - Online vs. Desktop
The actual steps for printing differ based on your TurboTax version.
3.1 For TurboTax Online Users:
Navigate to Print Center (or similar): As mentioned in Step 1, look for "Tax Tools" on the left menu, then "Print Center."
Select Print/Save Options: You'll typically see an option like "Print, save, or preview this year's return." Click on it.
Choose Your Print Set: A pop-up window or a new page will appear, asking which forms you'd like to print. Select the desired set (e.g., "Tax return, all calculation worksheets").
Generate PDF: TurboTax will usually generate a PDF version of your return. This PDF will open in a new browser tab or download directly to your computer.
Print from PDF: Once the PDF is open, use your browser's or PDF viewer's print function. Look for the printer icon or go to "File" > "Print" in your browser/PDF viewer.
Before printing, review the print settings. Ensure your printer is selected, the page orientation is correct (usually portrait), and the scaling is set to "Fit" or "Actual Size" to avoid cutting off information.
Click "Print" to send it to your physical printer.
Saving as PDF: Even if you plan to print, it's highly advisable to save a digital copy of your return as a PDF. This is often an option within the print dialog or as a separate "Save as PDF" button within TurboTax's print center.
3.2 For TurboTax Desktop Users:
Go to the File Menu: With your tax return open in the TurboTax desktop software, look for the "File" menu at the very top left of your screen (or "TurboTax" menu on a Mac).
Select Print: From the "File" menu, choose "Print."
Choose Your Print Set: A print dialog box will appear. Here, you can select:
"Official Tax Return"
"Tax Return with Worksheets"
"Specific Forms" (if you only want certain pages)
Preview Print Copy: Depending on your version, you might see an option like "Preview Print Copy" (or "Continue" on Mac after selecting options). Click this to see how your return will look before printing.
Print to Printer: After previewing, look for the printer icon or select "Print" again from the preview window.
Your system's print dialog box will appear. Select your desired printer, the number of copies, and any other relevant print settings (e.g., duplex printing if your printer supports it).
Click "Print."
Saving as PDF (Alternative/Recommended): Many users find it easier and more reliable to save their return as a PDF first and then print from the PDF viewer.
From the "File" menu (or within the print dialog box), look for an option like "Save as PDF" or "Print to PDF" (if you have a PDF printer installed like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Print to PDF, or CutePDF).
Choose a location on your computer to save the PDF file and give it a recognizable name (e.g., "JohnDoe_2024_TaxReturn.pdf").
Once saved, open the PDF file and print it from your PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader or your web browser). This approach often provides more control over printing.
Step 4: Verifying Your Printed Copy and Storage
Once your tax return has been printed, a few final checks are essential.
Review for Completeness: Carefully examine every page of your printed tax return. Ensure that all pages have printed correctly, are legible, and nothing is cut off. Compare it against the digital PDF if you saved one.
Check for Key Information: Verify that your name, Social Security Number, and all critical financial figures are accurate and clearly printed.
Organize and Store Securely:
Keep all pages together in the correct order.
Consider using a stapler or paper clip to keep the pages of your return organized.
Store your printed tax return in a safe, secure location that is easily accessible but protected from damage (e.g., a file cabinet, a fire-proof safe, or a dedicated tax folder).
It's a good practice to keep your tax returns for at least three years from the date you filed them, or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. Some experts recommend keeping them for seven years or even indefinitely if they involve complex investments or property sales.
FAQs: How to Print Tax Return TurboTax
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to printing your TurboTax tax return, with quick answers:
How to print a prior year's tax return from TurboTax Online?
Log in to TurboTax Online, go to "Tax Home," then find "Your tax returns & documents" and select the desired year to download the PDF.
How to print only specific forms from my TurboTax return?
In the print options (either in Print Center for online or the print dialog for desktop), look for an option to "Print specific forms" or "Select forms to print."
How to save my TurboTax return as a PDF instead of printing it?
For TurboTax Online, the print process usually generates a PDF first, which you can then save. For desktop, go to "File" > "Print" and then select "Save as PDF" or choose a "PDF printer" from your printer list.
How to troubleshoot if my TurboTax return isn't printing correctly?
Try saving your return as a PDF first and then printing from the PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader). Clear your browser's cache and cookies (for online version). Ensure your printer drivers are updated.
How to print my state tax return separately from my federal return in TurboTax?
During the print selection process, TurboTax typically offers separate options to print your Federal return, State return, or both. Select only your state return.
How to print a copy of my TurboTax return before filing it?
Yes, you can usually print for review before filing, but for TurboTax Online, you might be prompted to pay any associated fees first. Look for "Print for your records" or "Preview" options.
How to get a physical copy of my W-2 or 1099 forms from TurboTax?
TurboTax only includes summaries of these forms in your return. To get physical copies of your original W-2s or 1099s, you need to contact your employer or the issuing institution (bank, brokerage).
How to adjust the print size or scaling of my TurboTax return?
These settings are typically controlled by your printer's dialog box or your PDF viewer's print settings. Look for options like "Fit to page," "Actual size," or scaling percentages.
How to print multiple copies of my TurboTax return?
In your printer's dialog box (which appears after you click print in TurboTax or your PDF viewer), you can specify the number of copies you wish to print.
How to get a copy of my TurboTax return if I no longer have access to my account or software?
You can often request a transcript of your tax return directly from the IRS (and your state tax agency, if applicable). Alternatively, TurboTax may offer services to retrieve old returns for a fee, but directly from the IRS is usually free.