Hello - how do I preview my federal and state forms for errors, before printing and filing? Thanks.

[Randy21]

Just needing to know how to review my forms and schedules for errors before I print and file.

[mesquitebean]

@ Randy21 

Are you using Online TurboTax or the desktop software?   If you're using Online TurboTax  you can preview the Federal Form 1040 and Schedules 1-3 at any time for free (we can tell you how), but not the other forms.   However, we can tell you how to pay your Online TurboTax fees in advance, then you will have view/print/download privileges for all the forms in both returns.

If you're using desktop software, then you already have view/print/download privileges for all the forms in both returns.

You wrote:  "...before printing and filing"

       Are your plans to ultimately print the returns to file by mail instead of efiling?   If so, why?  That can delay processing of your returns by several weeks.

[Randy21]

Hi - 

Thank you for your reply.  To answer your follow up questions, I am using the Online TurboTax version.  And yes, I will be e-filing (printing would be just to have a hard copy on hand for my records).

So I would like to check (view) the forms and schedules before e-filing - double check for any errors and omissions .  After I double check, I would then pay, e-file, and print a hard copy.

Thank you.

[mesquitebean]

I will tell you the 2 options in the Online version:

Here's how to get a limited preview of the Federal Form 1040 and Schedules 1-3 for free.  It won't show the other schedules and forms or the state return:

• Log in and open your return interview.
• Then go to the left menu column and choose TAX TOOLS, then TOOLS.
• In the Tools window choose VIEW TAX SUMMARY.
• In the Tax Summary screen go to left menu column and under Federal tab choose PREVIEW MY 1040.

If you want full viewing/printing privileges you have to pay for your product in advance.  Here's how:

• Open your return, and in the left menu column, choose Tax Tools, then Print Center.
• Then choose "Print/save/preview this year's return."
• On the next screen choose to "Pay now". 
• Note:  It may try to upsell you on add-ons like MAX, which you can choose or decline.
• The next screen should be an Order Summary.  Review that, and if all is OK, click Continue.
• It should then prompt you for payment by credit or debit card.  The screen only says "credit card", but it will take a debit card.  If it should offer you the option to "pay later" out of the Federal refund, that can't be used for this purpose.  You will need to pay now by credit/debit card in order to view/download/print prior to filing.
• Then you should have an option of which PDF to download/print/view.  "Just my tax returns", or "include government worksheets (optional)", or "include government and TurboTax worksheets (optional.)"

 NOTE:  Remember all PDF tax documents and tax data files are very sensitive files, since they contain your personal ID info, financial data, and possibly bank account numbers, etc.  Be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.

[Randy21]

Good Morning:

Thank you for replying to my question; that information was very helpful.

Randy

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome.   Good luck.