Feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea of mailing your state tax return after using TurboTax? You're not alone! While e-filing is often the simplest path, sometimes mailing is necessary. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every single step of the process, making sure you feel confident and in control.
Let's get started, shall we?
How to Mail Your State Tax Return from TurboTax: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Confirm Your Filing Method and Access Your Return
The very first thing you need to do is ensure you've selected "File by Mail" within TurboTax for your state return. If you haven't, you won't be able to generate the correct documents for printing and mailing.
Sub-heading: Verifying Your TurboTax Selection
If you've already completed the filing process in TurboTax: Log back into your TurboTax account. Navigate to the "File" section. You should see an option to change your filing method if it's currently set to e-file. Select "File by Mail" for your state return.
Important Note: If you chose to pay your TurboTax fees from your tax refund, you might need to change your payment method to a credit or debit card before you can select the "File by Mail" option. This is because they need to be paid directly if you're not e-filing.
Sub-heading: Locating Your State Return for Printing
Once you've confirmed "File by Mail," TurboTax will generate your state tax return as a PDF.
For TurboTax Online:
Go to your "Tax Home" (or "My Returns").
Look for options like "Print & Mail your returns" or "Print, save or preview this year's return."
You'll typically be given choices to print just the government forms, or to include government and TurboTax worksheets. For mailing, you'll generally want the government forms only unless instructed otherwise by your state.
For TurboTax CD/Download:
After completing the "Review" step, navigate to the "File" menu.
Look for a "Print" option. You'll be prompted to select which returns you want to print for mailing (federal and/or state).
Step 2: Print Your State Tax Return
Now that you've located your return, it's time to print!
Sub-heading: Printing Essentials
Adobe Reader: Ensure you have Adobe Reader (or a similar PDF viewer) installed on your computer. TurboTax will usually open the return in a PDF format.
Legible Print: Use a good quality printer and ensure all text and numbers are clear and legible. Faded or blurry print could cause delays in processing.
Full Return: Print all pages of your state tax return. Do not skip any pages.
Separation: Your federal and state returns are separate entities and will be mailed to different addresses. Do not mix them! TurboTax typically prints them as separate packages.
Step 3: Assemble Your State Tax Return Package
This is a crucial step to ensure your return is processed correctly.
Sub-heading: What to Include
Signed State Tax Return: This is the most important part. Every taxpayer whose name appears on the return must sign it in the designated signature area. If it's a joint return, both spouses must sign.
Payment Voucher (if applicable): If you owe state taxes, TurboTax will generate a payment voucher (often a form like Form IT-40V for Indiana, for example). Crucially, attach this to the front of your state tax return.
Check or Money Order (if applicable): If you owe tax, make your check or money order payable to your state's taxing authority (e.g., "State of California Franchise Tax Board").
Write your name, address, Social Security Number, and the tax year on the memo line of your check or money order.
Do not staple or clip your check to the return. It's usually best to place it loosely behind the payment voucher.
Supporting Documents (if required):
W-2s: You will almost always need to attach copies of your W-2 forms that show state tax withheld. TurboTax typically instructs you on which copies to include.
1099s with Withholding: If you have 1099 forms (e.g., 1099-R for retirement distributions, 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income) that show state tax withheld, attach copies of these as well.
Other State-Specific Forms: Some states may require additional supporting documents. TurboTax's filing instructions, which print with your return, will specify these. Always double-check these instructions.
Copies for Your Records: Make a complete photocopy or scan of your entire assembled state tax return (including all attachments and payment information) before mailing. This is vital for your personal records.
Sub-heading: Proper Assembly Order
The exact order can vary slightly by state, but generally, you'll assemble your return in this sequence:
Payment Voucher (if paying by check/money order)
State Tax Form (e.g., Form 540 for California, Form IT-40 for Indiana)
Required Schedules and Forms (in the order they printed from TurboTax)
Copies of W-2s, 1099s with withholding, and other supporting documents.
TurboTax's printed instructions will usually give you a precise assembly order. Follow them carefully!
Step 4: Find the Correct Mailing Address
This is perhaps the most critical step for a successful mail-in filing. The mailing address for your state tax return is different from the federal tax return address, and it can even vary within a state depending on whether you're enclosing a payment or not.
Sub-heading: Locating the Address
TurboTax Filing Instructions: The best and most reliable place to find the correct mailing address is on the filing instructions page that prints with your state tax return from TurboTax. This page is usually the first page of your printed state return package.
State Department of Revenue Website: If for some reason the instructions page is missing or unclear, go directly to your state's Department of Revenue (DOR) or Taxation website. Search for "where to mail [your state's] income tax return" or "mailing addresses for tax forms." Look for a section on individual income tax returns.
Be mindful of separate addresses for returns with payment versus returns without payment.
Step 5: Mail Your Return
You're almost there!
Sub-heading: Packaging and Postage
Separate Envelopes: Place your state tax return in a separate envelope from your federal tax return. They go to different government agencies.
Secure Envelope: Use a sturdy envelope large enough to hold all your documents without excessive folding.
Sufficient Postage: Ensure you apply enough postage. If your package is thick or heavy, take it to the post office to have it weighed. Under-stamped mail can be returned, delaying your filing.
Return Address: Always include your return address on the envelope.
Sub-heading: Recommended Mailing Methods
Certified Mail with Return Receipt: This is highly recommended, especially if you're mailing a payment or if it's close to the tax deadline. Certified mail provides proof that you mailed it, and a return receipt provides proof that the state received it. This can be invaluable if there's ever a dispute or question about your filing.
USPS First-Class Mail: While not offering tracking, this is an acceptable and common method.
Hand Delivery: Some state tax offices may allow hand delivery, but you'll need to check your specific state's Department of Revenue website for details and hours.
Sub-heading: When to Mail
Postmark Deadline: For tax returns sent by mail, the IRS and state tax agencies generally consider your return filed on time if it's postmarked by the due date. Don't wait until the last minute!
Allow Processing Time: Mailed returns take significantly longer to process than e-filed returns. Expect several weeks, or even months, for your state to process your mailed return and issue any refund.
Step 6: Keep Excellent Records
After you've mailed your return, your job isn't quite done.
Sub-heading: Organizing Your Documents
Your Copies: Store your photocopies/scans of your complete tax return, all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.), and the mailing receipt (if you used certified mail) in a safe and accessible place.
Confirmation: If you used certified mail, file the green return receipt once it comes back to you. This is your official proof of delivery.
Relevant Information: Note down the date you mailed your return.
Sub-heading: What to Expect Next
Refund Status: If you're expecting a refund, most states have an online "Where's My Refund?" tool similar to the IRS one. You'll typically need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check the status. Be patient, as it takes time for mailed returns to be entered into their system.
Tax Bill/Notices: If you owed tax, you might receive a confirmation of payment, or if there's an issue, a notice from the state tax agency.
No News is Often Good News: If you don't hear anything, it usually means your return was received and processed without issues.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Check the status of my mailed state tax return?
Most state Department of Revenue websites have an online tool to check your refund status. You'll typically need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
How to: Get the correct mailing address for my state tax return?
The correct mailing address will be provided on the filing instructions page that prints with your state tax return from TurboTax. If not, consult your state's Department of Revenue (DOR) website.
How to: Know if I need to include my W-2s with my mailed state return?
Yes, you almost always need to include copies of your W-2 forms that show state tax withheld when mailing your state return. TurboTax's printed instructions will confirm this.
How to: Pay my state taxes if I'm mailing my return?
If you owe state taxes, you should typically include a check or money order made payable to your state's taxing authority, along with a payment voucher generated by TurboTax, when you mail your return.
How to: Ensure my mailed return arrives on time?
Mail your return well before the tax deadline. For proof of mailing and delivery, consider using certified mail with a return receipt. The postmark date generally determines on-time filing.
How to: Handle both federal and state returns when mailing?
Federal and state tax returns must be mailed in separate envelopes to their respective taxing authorities. Do not combine them.
How to: Correct an error on my state tax return after I've mailed it?
If you discover an error after mailing your return, you will likely need to file an amended state tax return. Consult your state's Department of Revenue website or TurboTax for instructions on filing an amended return (often a form like Form 1040-X for federal, and a state-specific equivalent).
How to: Get a copy of my state tax return if I forgot to print it?
You can usually access and print a copy of your filed return from your TurboTax account online. Alternatively, you may be able to request a tax transcript from your state's Department of Revenue.
How to: Attach supporting documents to my mailed state return?
Unless otherwise specified by your state's instructions, loosely place supporting documents like W-2s behind your main tax form and payment voucher (if applicable). Avoid stapling unless explicitly instructed.
How to: Track my mailed state tax return?
The only reliable way to track a mailed tax return is by using a service like USPS Certified Mail with a return receipt. Standard first-class mail does not offer tracking.
