If you need a "signed" copy of your printed tax return, you pick up a blue or black pen and sign it near the bottom by that rather large black arrow next to the words, "Sign Here."
Are these answers by Turbo Tax staff. They seem horribly condescending answers from people eager to demonstrate their intellectual prowess on a software support forum. I have the same question, is there no electronically signed version? What is being submitted to the IRS?
The electronic file submitted to the IRS is indeed electronically signed but there is no such thing as an electronically signed paper copy when you need to submit a copy to a bank or other lender. You have to print a paper copy and sign it in ink. Even if the lender accepts a pdf, you have to sign and scan a paper return. Lenders, even the US Dept of Ed, don’t have the ability to import the IRS’s unique and specific electronic file format, which is a machine readable XML file, not a human readable tax return.
There is no "electronically signed" copy available from Turbotax. They're looking for a new copy with your fresh signature.