Filed by mail - but did not post it yet - realized I am a non-residential alien - can I do regular paper filing and opt out of Turbotax? Is my tax already filed?

[safinah]

I chose the file by mail option. Then I realized the form is incorrect since I am a non-residential alien. I haven't yet mailed the forms - can I opt out of Turbotax and file my own form taxes? Has Turbotax already sent my tax info to IRS? I am afraid.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

If you chose to print and mail your tax return using the online editions of TurboTax then nothing has been sent to the IRS from the TurboTax program.  

Unless you completed  the File section of the program and actually clicked on the button Transmit Returns Now, then the return would have been e-filed.  To verify that it was or was not e-filed use this TurboTax website and if it shows No Record Found, then nothing was e-filed - https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp

If you have paid any TurboTax account fees for use of the software, then you should contact TurboTax support and speak to a Support Agent about getting a refund of the fees since you cannot file a non-resident alien tax return, Form 1040NR, using TurboTax.  

See this TurboTax support FAQ on how to contact Support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3401489

 If the problem concerns any type of refund for fees, use the key words billing issues and do Not use the word Refund or you will get a phone number for tax refunds.

[safinah]

Thanks for your answer.

My online status says -
Federal return status: Ready to mail
Next step : Be sure to send any returns you plan on printing and mailing no later than the April 18, 2017 IRS deadline.

I did not chose the e-file option, I chose the print and mail option. But I think I did do the transmit returns now option, because I thought it wouldn't do anything online since I did not e-file.

The e-file status does not say No Record Found - but it says No result. It has also been less than 24 hours since I completed the form. Should I go ahead with paper tax filing?

[DoninGA]

No Record Found or No Result would be the same indication that the tax return was NOT e-filed.  If you completed and printed the tax return do not send that return to the IRS if you are a non-resident alien.  Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A or Form 1040 are not to be used by a non-resident alien.
You need to complete and file either a Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ which can be accessed from the IRS website including instructions - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs">https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs</a>

[safinah]

Thanks.

After I did the Print and post option, the next screen said -
'Congratulations, your taxes have been sent to the IRS
You're almost there!

The IRS still needs to accept your return (usually in 24-48 hours). We'll send you an email to let you know when your return is accepted or rejected. You can also log into TurboTax anytime to see your most up-to-date e-file status. If you chose to print and mail your return to the IRS, make sure to include all the required documents.'

Hence, I am still confused if the taxes have been sent or not.

[DoninGA]

That is a confusing message and it has been reported to the website designers.  It will give you an indication of the return being sent to the IRS even when you have only printed your tax return for mailing and never e-filed the tax return.  
You have already verified that the tax return was not e-filed, so you are all good.

[safinah]

Thanks DoninGA! 🙂