Having a physical or digital copy of your tax return is crucial for your records, future reference, and potential audits. TurboTax makes this process relatively straightforward, whether you're printing your current year's return or accessing previous years' documents. Let's dive into a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to print your taxes from TurboTax!
How to Print My Taxes from TurboTax: Your Complete Guide
Hey there! Ready to get your hands on a physical copy of your tax return? Whether you've just finished filing or need a document from a previous year, having your tax return readily available is a smart move. Let's walk through the process together.
Step 1: Log In and Navigate to Your Tax Home
This is where it all begins! You need to access your TurboTax account to find your tax documents.
A. Accessing Your TurboTax Account
For TurboTax Online users: Open your web browser and go to the official TurboTax website (turbotax.intuit.com).
Click on the "Sign In" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page.
Enter your User ID and Password. If you've forgotten them, use the "Forgot User ID" or "Forgot Password" links to recover your credentials.
B. Reaching Your Tax Home
Once successfully logged in, you'll typically land on your Tax Home or a similar dashboard. This page provides an overview of your tax filing status.
If you're not immediately on the Tax Home, look for a prominent link or menu option labeled "Tax Home" on the left-hand side or top navigation bar. Click on it to proceed.
Step 2: Locating Your Tax Return
The next step depends on whether you want to print your current year's return or a prior year's return.
A. Printing Your Current Year's Tax Return (Before or After Filing)
1. If You Haven't Filed Yet (Previewing Your Return)
If you're still working on your taxes and want to review or print a copy before officially filing, you'll usually need to have paid for the TurboTax service first (unless you're using a free edition that allows printing without payment).
From your Tax Home, look for a section related to "Finish and File" or similar.
Navigate to the "Print Center" or "Tax Tools" section. You might find "Tax Tools" on the left-hand menu. Click on it, then select "Print Center."
Within the Print Center, you should see an option like "Print, save or preview this year's return." Click on this.
You'll likely be prompted to select which forms you want to print (e.g., Federal, State, all worksheets, specific forms). Choose your desired options.
Click "View or print forms" or a similar button. This will usually generate a PDF version of your return.
2. If You Have Already Filed Your Current Year's Return
After you've successfully e-filed your taxes, TurboTax makes it easy to access and print your completed return.
From your Tax Home, scroll down to the "Your tax returns & documents" section.
You should see the current tax year listed. Click on the option to "Download, print return" or "View all tax returns" and then select the relevant year.
This will typically initiate a download of your tax return as a PDF file.
B. Printing a Prior Year's Tax Return
TurboTax generally saves PDF copies of your filed returns for a period of up to seven years within your online account.
From your Tax Home, scroll down to the "Your tax returns & documents" section.
You'll see a list of available tax years. Click on the year you wish to print.
An option like "Download tax PDF" or "Download or print return" should appear. Click on this.
This will automatically download a PDF copy of your selected prior-year return to your computer.
Step 3: Printing Your Downloaded Tax Return
Once you have the PDF file, printing is a standard process.
A. Opening the PDF File
Locate the downloaded PDF file on your computer. By default, it's often in your "Downloads" folder. The file name will usually include the tax year (e.g., "TaxReturn_2024.pdf").
Double-click on the PDF file to open it with your default PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader, your web browser's built-in PDF viewer, or Apple Preview).
B. Initiating the Print Process
Once the PDF is open, look for the printer icon or go to the "File" menu in your PDF viewer.
Select "Print." This will open your printer's dialogue box.
C. Customizing Print Settings (Optional, but Recommended)
Select your printer: Ensure the correct printer is chosen from the drop-down list.
Pages to print: You can choose to print all pages, current page, or a custom range of pages. If you only need specific schedules, this can save paper.
Copies: Specify the number of copies you want.
Page sizing & handling:
Fit to page or Shrink oversized pages are usually good options to ensure everything fits correctly.
Actual size might also work, but preview it first.
Orientation: Most tax forms are portrait, but double-check if any specific forms require landscape.
Print quality: For official documents, a higher print quality is recommended.
Preview your document before printing to avoid errors and wasted paper.
D. Sending to the Printer
Once your settings are confirmed, click the "Print" button in the dialogue box.
Your tax return will now be sent to your printer!
Step 4: Saving a PDF Copy for Your Records (Highly Recommended!)
Even if you print a physical copy, always save a digital PDF version for easy access and backup.
A. Saving While in TurboTax (If Applicable)
As mentioned in Step 2, TurboTax often gives you the option to "Save As PDF" directly from the "Print Center" or "Download" link. Utilize this option.
B. Saving from Your PDF Viewer
If you've already opened the downloaded PDF, you can save it again.
Go to the "File" menu in your PDF viewer and select "Save As" or "Print to PDF."
Choose a memorable location on your computer (e.g., a "Taxes" folder on your desktop or in your documents).
Give the file a clear, descriptive name (e.g., "LastName_FirstName_2024_TaxReturn.pdf").
Click "Save."
Troubleshooting Common Printing Issues
Watermarks: If your printed return has a "DO NOT FILE" or "E-FILE ONLY" watermark, it usually means you haven't paid for the TurboTax service for that return or it's a draft version. You generally need to complete payment for your tax return to get a clean, official copy.
Printer not responding: Ensure your printer is turned on, connected to your computer (via USB or Wi-Fi), has paper, and isn't out of ink. Try printing a test page from another application.
Forms not printing correctly: Check your print settings (margins, scaling, fit to page). Sometimes, clearing your browser's cache and cookies or trying a different web browser can resolve issues with TurboTax Online.
"Print" button missing or grayed out: This often means you haven't completed the necessary steps or paid for the service yet. In TurboTax Online, the print option typically becomes available after you've paid for your return.
Downloading issues: If the PDF isn't downloading, check your internet connection and ensure your browser isn't blocking pop-ups or downloads from TurboTax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about printing taxes from TurboTax, with quick answers:
How to print my current year's tax return before I file it?
You can usually access a preview through the "Print Center" or "Tax Tools" within TurboTax Online, but you'll often need to pay for the TurboTax service first to get a clean, non-watermarked copy.
How to print my tax return after I've already filed it with TurboTax?
Log into your TurboTax account, go to "Tax Home," scroll down to "Your tax returns & documents," and select the relevant year to download or print your PDF.
How to print a prior year's tax return from TurboTax?
Sign into your TurboTax account, navigate to "Your tax returns & documents," select the desired prior year, and then choose the option to download or print the PDF. TurboTax typically stores up to 7 years of returns.
How to save my TurboTax return as a PDF instead of printing?
After you generate the print preview or download option, look for a "Save As PDF" or "Print to PDF" option in your printer dialogue box or within your PDF viewer.
How to print only specific forms from my TurboTax return?
When you go to the "Print Center" or choose to print your return, you'll often have an option to select which specific forms or schedules you want to include in the printout.
How to remove "DO NOT FILE" or "E-FILE ONLY" watermarks from my printed TurboTax return?
These watermarks usually indicate that you haven't paid for the TurboTax service for that specific return. Once you complete the payment, the watermarks should be removed, and you'll be able to print an official copy.
How to troubleshoot if my printer isn't printing my TurboTax return?
First, ensure your printer is on, connected, has paper, and ink. Then, try printing a test page from another program. If other documents print, try clearing your browser's cache/cookies or using a different browser for TurboTax Online.
How to print my state tax return separately from my federal return in TurboTax?
When you're in the "Print Center" or selecting print options, TurboTax typically gives you the choice to print your Federal return, State return, or both. Select only the state return if that's what you need.
How to print a TurboTax return if I used the CD/Download version?
Open the TurboTax software on your computer, open your tax file, go to the "File" menu at the top, and select "Print." You'll have options to print your entire return or specific forms.
How to get a physical copy if I can't print from my computer?
You can save the tax return as a PDF and then transfer the PDF file to a USB drive or email it to yourself. You can then print it at a local print shop, library, or a friend's computer.
