Wanted to print an initial DRAFT of my 1040

[gary6r]

I think what I want/need to do is reverse the "Filed" tag, so I can continue with new data input.  How do I do that.  (Repeating: A DRAFT, NOT filed.)

[DoninGA]

Did you do this? -

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large Orange button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

If your tax return was filed then it cannot be canceled, changed or retrieved.

If the return is rejected you can make the necessary changes and e-file again.
If the return is accepted you will have to amend your original tax return. An amended return, Form 1040X, can only be printed and mailed to the IRS if the original tax return was not e-filed. The IRS will take up to 16 weeks or longer to process an amended tax return.

Before starting to amend the tax return, wait for the tax refund to be received or the taxes due to be paid and processed by the IRS.

See this TurboTax support FAQ on amending a tax return originally completed and filed using the 2020 TurboTax online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-turbotax-online-return/01/27577

The IRS Form 1040-X for amending a 2020 tax return is scheduled to be available on 03/25/2021 (subject to change)

[gary6r]

Hello.  And thank you.

No, did NOT file anything, electronically or otherwise.  So I shouldn't have to even think about formally amending anything.

I think my mistake was pressing a button that indicated something like "File by mail on paper" or something similar.  There didn't seem to be another obvious path to take that would permit me to simply print a DRAFT of my Federal return and not go into the filing process.  As there may have been in recent years.

At this point I just want to return to the Federal-return input pages to record some new data and fix some entries already there.  There must be some process that will get me back to pre-filing data entry again.

And THEN, in a couple of days, when everything looks just right, file electronically. 

Thanks again.

GARY REIN

[DoninGA]

@gary6r To print a tax return before filing you will need to pay the TurboTax account fees.

To pay the TurboTax online account fees by credit card, without completing the 2020 return at this time, click on Tax Tools on the left side of the online program screen. Then click on Print Center. Then click on Print, save or preview this year's return. On the next page, to pay by credit card, click Pay Now. The next screen will show a review of your Fees, click on Continue. Complete the next screen to pay by credit card and click Continue.

[gary6r]

Thank you, again, DoninGA.

I'm a 5-year TurboTax user and am familiar with the pre-filing fee-payment process.  And I'm recalling it's also required before anything can be printed.  Which I'm okay with, but I think last week I wandered into a decision point I didn't expect and probably clicked on a "File Now" (by mail, on paper) button I didn't want to.

However, your note encouraged me to try a different work-around approach this afternoon.

a. When I first sign in I get this big enthusiastic greeting, "Way to go ... You filed ...".  And the left-side panel no longer has the usual "Taxes" options, so at this point could not get to the input pages or Tax Tools menu.

b. I hadn't gone through the "filing" & printing process with my N.Y. State returns, though (fortunately).  So it showed up on this greeting page as "N.Y. State started", with a link to "See all my returns." -->

c. --> Which sent me to "Continue my NY Return".  And THAT opened up the left-side 2020 Taxes panel again (Yay!).  Including the familiar Tax Tools - printing too.

So I think I'm going to be okay again now.  Thank you for your guidance.

GARY REIN