How do I attach a pdf to my return and file

[m-mass]

will desktop turbotax allow a pdf attachment?

[DoninGA]

When e-filing a tax return you cannot attach any type of document.

If you need to include a document that is not included in the TurboTax program then you will have to print and mail the tax return.

See this TurboTax support FAQ for how to print and mail a tax return when using the online editions - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/printers-printing/print-mail-return-turb...

[rjs]

Are you sure that you need to attach a PDF to your tax return? What is it for? The IRS does not want attachments that are not required by IRS rules. The IRS instructions for Form 1040 say "Don't attach correspondence or other items unless required to do so." If the IRS has a question about your tax return or wants more information, they will send you a letter asking for it.

[plonsford]

Form 4684, Casualties and Theft. 

If you use one of the safe harbor methods provided in Revenue Procedure 2018-08, you must attach a statement to Form 4684 stating that you used Revenue Procedure 2018-08 to determine the amount of your casualty loss. Include the specific safe harbor method used. When completing Form 4684, do not enter an amount on line 5 or line 6 for each property. Instead, enter the decrease in the FMV determined in the relevant safe harbor method on line 7.

I find it hard to believe that most filers would not use a safe harbor method.  And with the number of FEMA disasters every year, this is a common form.  

If TurboTax developers would not require lines 5&6 and have a field available for the Safe Harbor method, then at minimum, we could file a copy of the TurboTax worksheet.

[skipole]

Another example would be to attach detailed 1099-B when required by states. In PA, for example, I need to provide them with my 1099-B since detailed transactions aren't being provided within the tax forms.

[JamesG1]

You are not able to attach a .PDF or other file to an e-filed tax return.  

If you need to include a document that is not included in the TurboTax program, then you will have to print and mail the tax return.

See this TurboTax Help.

@skipole 

@plonsford 

[plonsford]

I responded to rjs.  I am aware that you cannot attach a pdf.  My response included not so uncommon reason for requiring support to an irs form, a TurboTax limitation (requiring fields to be completed that aren't necessary to be filed) and the lack of TurboTax versatility to include information necessary for the required support (the option of a short, finite list of safe harbors).

Regarding the required fields for the form in TurboTax that are not required by the IRS: How confusing is it to include the irrelevant information and also send support for something different?  You can't complete the tax return without the form, but you can't complete the form as it is required by the IRS.

[smbmighty]

IRS requires a letter from your doctor to be filed with the return if you are taking a medical expense deduction for gluten-free foods for Celiac Disease. Turbotax needs to include this in the program. There are probably other sections where additional forms are needed. The last thing a taxpayer wants to see is a letter from the IRS arriving in the mail in the summer time seeking more information. 

[Lightner]

Here’s another example of where IRS requires pdf attachments. If you’ve experienced a federal disaster loss, (which many have), qualified wildfire relief payments aren’t required to be included in income regardless of having received a form 1099 Misc. IRS guidance says: 

If filing Form 1040 electronically, attach a blank .pdf to the Form 1040 with a filename “QWR-Qualified Wildfire Relief.”  

I think it’s time for TurboTax to include the ability to attach a document. IRS requires it. And a good deal of what we expect when we pay for TurboTax software is the ease of electronic filing. Finding that I now must print, mail, then wonder if/when IRS will acknowledge receipt is a huge disappointment. 

[smbmighty]

Yes. And, it's no fun getting an envelope from the IRS in the heat of summer telling you they need more information. That Turbotax can readily attach financial documents when needed, it surely can configure to attach these other misc documents that IRS instructions tell us we need to include.