Hi I want to print my federal return but it does not let me. It keeps telling me I need to file my Florida tax return by mail.

[lvarela15]

When doing my federal taxes, I selected not to file the Florida return as I had no information to input for state tax purposes. However, it seems for some reason Turbotax believes I am going to file the state tax return and when I try to download my return, a page indicating that I need to file my state tax return appears rather than my federal return. I need my federal return for school purposes. Thank you. I appreciate your help.

[mesquitebean]

I assume this is a 2018 return.    You didn't say if you have already filed the Federal return or not, and if so, was it by efile or did you print, sign, and mail the Federal return?   

Why are you printing the Federal return--for a copy after efiling, or printing to file by mail?

 Florida does not have a state income tax.  There is no "state return" per se.  There is a Form DR-405 that some Florida filers need who have Florida businesses or rental properties with tangible personal property.  The DR-405 has to be filed with the county property appraiser by April 1.  

If you started a state return you didn't need, then you can't delete it if you have already registered in Free Edition.  But you are not required to file it if you don't need it.  

First, if you don't need it, see if you can delete the Florida state return (if you haven't registered).
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900608-how-do-i-delete-my-state-return-in-turbotax-online">https:...>

However, if you already registered in Free Edition and filed the Federal, then it won't let you delete the state.

If you still have trouble downloading your PDF at the Tax Home, then we can tell you a way to open the return back up and try to download/print at the Print Center.   If that doesn't work, we can tell you how to "fool" TurboTax by telling it you plan to file the state return by mail, even though you don't really have to actually mail it.

[lvarela15]

Thank you for your response. I e-filed my federal return through TurboTax with the free edition. I have already received my federal refund. I need the return for college purposes as I need to provide proof of my filing status and that I am no longer a dependent. I tried what you mentioned about deleting the return but as you stated since I have the free edition it did not give me the option to delete. I tried downloading again and the same page prompting me to file my state tax return downloaded. Could you please help me find a way to download my federal return.

[mesquitebean]

First, try the method in the Answer below first to see if you can get it that way.    If it's unsuccessful, and you get the same message, there's something else to try.

[lvarela15]

I tried the answer below and was able to print my federal return. Thank you so so much!

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

Here's how to open your return back up to go the Print Center where you can choose various PDFs.

NOTE:  When you open your return back up, do not make any changes in the Federal return since it's already been filed.

• Log in and go to "Your Tax Returns & Documents."  Click that line or on the word SHOW to expand that section.
• Choose 2018 tax year.
• Click on "Add a State."  (you don't really add one.  That's just to open your return back up.)
  
• After the return is open, click in the left menu column on TAX TOOLS, then PRINT CENTER.
• Then choose "Print, save, view this year's return."
• The next screen should offer 3 options:  "Just my tax returns", or "include government worksheets (optional)", or "include government and TurboTax worksheets (optional.)"
• See if one of those PDFs has what you need.
  

NOTE:  Do NOT use this method to open a return to make changes/edits to an already-filed return (one that has actually been mailed or efiled.)   If you later need to make changes to an already-filed return, you have to go through the formal amending process, and your return must start off exactly as originally filed.

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.

[lvarela15]

Thank you so much! I was able to print my return 🙂