Paper filing your taxes with TurboTax is a perfectly valid option, though e-filing is often recommended for its speed and error-checking capabilities. If you prefer the tangible feel of paper or have specific reasons to mail your return, TurboTax makes the process relatively straightforward. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the information you need to successfully paper file your taxes.
Let's begin!
Step 1: Decide to Paper File (Are you sure?!)
Before diving into the mechanics, let's really think about this. While paper filing is an option, e-filing offers several advantages:
Faster Refunds: If you're due a refund, e-filing with direct deposit can get your money back in as little as 21 days, compared to several weeks (or even months) for paper returns.
Error Checking: TurboTax's e-filing process has built-in error checks that catch common mistakes, significantly reducing the chances of your return being rejected or delayed.
Proof of Filing: When you e-file, you receive an immediate confirmation that the IRS has received your return. With paper filing, you rely on postal tracking or certified mail for proof.
Convenience: No printing, no envelopes, no stamps, no trip to the post office!
However, if you've weighed these points and still prefer to paper file, perhaps due to:
Not having a bank account for direct deposit
A personal preference for physical records
A prior year return that needs to be amended (sometimes requires paper filing)
Then read on!
Step 2: Complete Your Tax Return in TurboTax
This is where you'll do the bulk of the work, regardless of how you plan to file.
Sub-heading 2.1: Gather Your Documents
Before you even open TurboTax, ensure you have all your necessary tax documents organized. This will make the input process much smoother. Key documents typically include:
W-2s: From your employer(s).
1099 Forms: Such as 1099-INT (interest income), 1099-DIV (dividend income), 1099-NEC (non-employee compensation), 1099-R (retirement distributions).
1098 Forms: Such as 1098 (mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition statement).
Other Income Documents: K-1s from partnerships or S-corporations, records of self-employment income and expenses.
Deduction and Credit Information: Receipts for charitable donations, medical expenses, property taxes, child care expenses, etc.
Prior Year's Tax Return: This is crucial, especially for retrieving your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), which may be needed for verification.
Sub-heading 2.2: Input Information into TurboTax
Follow TurboTax's guided interview process diligently. It's designed to ask you simple questions and populate the correct forms in the background.
Answer all questions accurately: Don't rush through the prompts.
Double-check your entries: A small typo can lead to big headaches.
Utilize the help features: TurboTax has extensive help articles and explanations if you get stuck on a particular section.
Sub-heading 2.3: Review Your Return Thoroughly
Once you've entered all your information, TurboTax will guide you through a review process. This is your final chance to catch any errors.
Review the summaries: Look at the key figures like your income, deductions, credits, and ultimately, your refund or amount due.
Go through the forms: While daunting, quickly skimming the actual forms (like Form 1040 and its schedules) can sometimes reveal glaring errors that the summary might miss.
Address any warnings or alerts: TurboTax will flag potential issues; make sure you understand and resolve them.
Step 3: Select "File by Mail" in TurboTax
Once your return is complete and reviewed, it's time to tell TurboTax how you want to file. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax Online or TurboTax Desktop software.
Sub-heading 3.1: For TurboTax Online Users
Sign in to your TurboTax account.
From your Tax Home, select "Continue" or "Pick up where you left off" to open your return.
Look for the "File" section in the menu.
You'll typically see 3 steps for filing. Complete Steps 1 and 2 if you haven't already.
When you get to Step 3, you'll likely see a screen that says "We've determined the easiest way to file your taxes." Here, you'll need to select "Change" next to the return you want to file by mail.
On the subsequent screen, choose the "File by mail" option. Be sure to save your selection!
Important Note: If the "File by mail" option isn't available, it's often because you previously chose to pay TurboTax fees through your tax refund. To paper file, you'll need to change your payment method to a credit or debit card. Once you've updated your payment, the "File by mail" option should become available.
Follow the instructions to print your return. You'll be prompted to pay any outstanding TurboTax fees before you can print.
Sub-heading 3.2: For TurboTax Desktop Users
With your return open in TurboTax Desktop, go to the "File" tab (or similar menu option).
Select "Continue."
On the "E-file Your Federal Return for FREE" or similar screen, choose "File by mail" and then "Continue."
Continue through the screens until you reach the "Print Tax Return for Mailing" screen.
Select "Continue."
For Windows users: Select "Print Returns to Mail," then "Preview Print Copy." Once the preview opens, select the printer icon.
For Mac users: After the printing graphic finishes loading, select "Print."
Once printed, select "Continue" in TurboTax and follow any additional on-screen instructions.
Step 4: Print Your Tax Return and Instructions
This is a critical step, as a complete and accurate printout is what the IRS (and your state, if applicable) will receive.
Sub-heading 4.1: Use High-Quality Paper and Ink
Use standard 8.5 x 11 inch white paper.
Ensure your printer has sufficient black ink. The IRS generally prefers black ink for readability and scanning purposes.
Sub-heading 4.2: Print All Required Forms and Schedules
TurboTax will generate a comprehensive package for you to print. This usually includes:
Your Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 and any associated schedules): This is the core of your return.
Your State Tax Return (if applicable): If you're filing a state return, TurboTax will also prepare this for printing.
Filing Instructions Page: This is incredibly important! TurboTax includes a cover page with precise mailing addresses for your federal and state returns, along with instructions on what to include and where to sign. Do not discard this page!
Worksheets and Supporting Documents: TurboTax may include various worksheets for your records. While these are usually not mailed to the IRS, it's a good idea to keep them with your copy of the return.
Sub-heading 4.3: Create Copies for Your Records
Do not skip this! Before you mail anything, make a complete photocopy or scan of your entire tax return, including all forms, schedules, and the filing instructions page. Keep this copy in a safe place for at least three years (the general IRS audit period).
Step 5: Sign and Date Your Return
This is perhaps the most common reason paper-filed returns are rejected. A return without a valid signature is not considered filed.
Sub-heading 5.1: Where to Sign
Federal Return (Form 1040): Locate the signature line(s) on the bottom of page 2 of your Form 1040.
If filing single, you sign and date.
If filing jointly, both you and your spouse must sign and date.
State Return: Your state return will also have a dedicated signature line. Ensure all required signatures are present.
Use Black or Blue Ink: Sign legibly using black or blue ink.
Sub-heading 5.2: What if You Have a Preparer?
If someone else prepared your return for you (e.g., a tax professional using TurboTax Business), they will also need to sign in the "Paid Preparer Use Only" section.
Step 6: Include Payment (If You Owe Taxes)
If TurboTax calculates that you owe federal or state taxes, you'll need to include payment with your mailed return.
Sub-heading 6.1: Federal Tax Payment
Do NOT Send Cash: Never mail cash.
Check or Money Order: Make your check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury."
What to Write on Your Payment: On the memo line of your check or money order, write:
Your full name
Your address
Daytime phone number
Your Social Security Number (SSN)
The tax year (e.g., "2024 Form 1040")
Attach Payment: Do not staple or paperclip your payment to your return. Simply place it loosely with your tax return in the envelope. The IRS has specific instructions on how to send payments.
Sub-heading 6.2: State Tax Payment
Follow State Instructions: Each state has its own rules for tax payments. Refer to your state's filing instructions generated by TurboTax for precise details on who to make the check payable to and what information to include.
Separate Payments: If you owe both federal and state taxes, send separate payments to each taxing authority.
Step 7: Assemble Your Return and Mail It
Organization is key to ensuring your return is processed smoothly.
Sub-heading 7.1: Order of Documents
The general order for paper filing is:
Form 1040 (and any associated schedules, usually in order of Schedule A, Schedule B, etc., as printed by TurboTax).
Supporting Forms and Schedules: Any other forms (e.g., Form W-2, Form 1099-R) that TurboTax indicates should be attached.
Payment (if applicable): Placed loosely on top of Form 1040.
Crucially, refer to the "Filing Instructions" page generated by TurboTax. This page will explicitly tell you the correct order and which documents to include.
Sub-heading 7.2: Use the Correct Mailing Address
This is extremely important. The IRS has different mailing addresses based on the state you live in and whether you're including a payment.
Federal Return: Your TurboTax filing instructions will provide the precise IRS mailing address for your specific situation. Do NOT use a general IRS address found online without verifying it.
State Return: Your state filing instructions from TurboTax will provide the correct mailing address for your state tax department.
Sub-heading 7.3: Postage and Mailing
Affix Sufficient Postage: Weigh your envelope to ensure you have enough postage. A typical tax return with multiple pages will likely require more than a single stamp. Take it to the post office if you're unsure.
Consider Certified Mail with Return Receipt: For peace of mind and proof of mailing, especially if you're sending a payment, consider sending your return via Certified Mail with a Return Receipt. This provides a mailing receipt and electronic verification that your item was delivered or that a delivery attempt was made.
Mail by the Deadline: Ensure your return is postmarked by the tax deadline (typically April 15th, or the next business day if April 15th falls on a weekend or holiday).
Step 8: Keep Excellent Records
Your paper copy of the return is invaluable.
File it Securely: Keep your signed, dated, and copied return, along with all supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts), in a secure location.
Digital Backups: Consider scanning your entire mailed package and saving it digitally for an extra layer of backup.
Congratulations! You've successfully paper-filed your taxes using TurboTax. Now, the waiting game for that refund (or confirmation of payment) begins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Paper Filing with TurboTax
Here are 10 common questions related to paper filing your taxes with TurboTax, along with quick answers:
How to know if I should paper file or e-file my TurboTax return?
While e-filing is generally faster and more secure with built-in error checks, you might choose to paper file if you prefer a physical record, don't have a bank account for direct deposit, or are amending a prior year's paper return.
How to find the correct mailing address for my federal return after printing from TurboTax?
The first page of your printed federal tax return package from TurboTax will be the "Filing Instructions" page. This page contains the specific IRS mailing address based on your location and whether you're including a payment.
How to ensure my payment is correctly attached when paper filing with TurboTax?
Do not staple or paperclip your check or money order to your return. Simply place it loosely with your Form 1040 in the envelope. Make sure your name, address, SSN, and tax year are written on the memo line of your payment.
How to get proof that the IRS received my paper-filed return?
For proof of mailing and delivery, consider sending your return via Certified Mail with a Return Receipt through the USPS. This provides tracking and a signed confirmation of receipt.
How to avoid common mistakes when paper filing a TurboTax return?
The most common mistakes are missing signatures, incorrect mailing addresses, insufficient postage, and forgetting to include payment if taxes are owed. Always double-check these critical elements.
How to track my paper-filed refund from TurboTax?
Once your paper return is processed (which can take several weeks or even months), you can track your federal refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on their website. For state refunds, check your state's tax department website.
How to change from e-filing to paper filing in TurboTax Online?
In TurboTax Online, go to the "File" section. On the screen that determines your filing method, select "Change" next to your return and choose "File by mail." You might need to change your TurboTax fee payment method from "pay by refund" to a credit/debit card first.
How to print a copy of my return in TurboTax Online for paper filing?
After selecting "File by mail" in TurboTax Online and paying any fees, you'll be guided through the printing process. You can also typically find a "Print Center" or "Print, save, or preview this year's return" option under "Tax Tools" to generate a PDF.
How to ensure I have all necessary forms and schedules when paper filing my TurboTax return?
TurboTax automatically bundles all required federal and state forms and schedules into a single printable package when you select the "File by mail" option. You just need to print the entire package it generates.
How to know the exact deadline for paper filing my TurboTax return?
The federal tax filing deadline is typically April 15th of the year following the tax year (e.g., April 15, 2025, for the 2024 tax year). If April 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is shifted to the next business day. State deadlines may vary, so check your state's tax department website or the TurboTax filing instructions for your state. Your return must be postmarked by the deadline.
