Is there somewhere where I can read a step by step list of instructions for e-filing my TY2024 returns with TurboTax?

[TurboLover2]

Seems that every year there are changes in the details about how to do the last step (e-filing) my tax returns with TurboTax.  It's stressful because I usually don't have my returns completed until the last week before they are due (like many people).

I am always worried that I am going to have a problem at the last minute that will make it impossible to e-file.

Is there somewhere I can read detailed instructions for e-filing my tax year 2024 returns with TurboTax Deluxe desktop?

I need critical details such as a list of exactly what information will be needed.  Do I still need these "PIN" numbers for example?  Can't remember if they were used last year but I remember them in previous years.

Exactly what other information will I need?

Do I have to sign into my account BEFORE e-filing on desktop Turbotax?  How does that work this year?  What is the procedure?

These are the kind of details I need to know, hopefully in a step by step description.

Is there somewhere I can see this information so I know what to expect?

Thank you.

[VolvoGirl]

I don’t think there is a list or steps.   Just by going through the process.  I know you will need your 2023 AGI and your Driver’s License.   What I do each year is write down notes as I go through the efile steps.  So then the next year I know what to do and have my DL ready.  

[baldietax]

on the ID protection PIN if you requested this optional feature from the IRS in the past (this is 6 digits, different from the 5-digit Pin that TT allows you to assign during e-file), you will need to enter this Pin under "Other Tax Situations" / Identity Protection Pin.  TT will let you file without warning this is not filled in, and your Fed and State returns will reject.  If have one you will need the 2025 PIN, they change every year.  Log in to your IRS account to check your profile and get the latest PIN if you need it https://www.irs.gov/your-account

[TurboLover2]

@VolvoGirl 

That's a good thing to do, but unfortunately the process seems to change from year to year.  If that is all that is needed no problem.

[TurboLover2]

Thank you @baldietax 

I have never requested a PIN required for filing returns from the IRS.

So does that mean I won't need a PIN when I e-file through TurboTax?

===EDITED===

How does the TurboTax PIN system work.  I know I used one in the past but have no idea if I am going to need one this year.  If I can't find it what do I do?

[VolvoGirl]

About Signing in.   Yes you will need to sign into your Online Intuit account if you are not signed in.   You can check if you are signed in under File - at the bottom right above Exit it will say Sign In or  Signed in as [name].   

[TurboLover2]

Thanks @VolvoGirl 

Specifically I guess that means that when you click the button to submit your returns by e-file you have to be signed into your TurboTax account.

Regarding the PIN.

I just took a look at the filing process by running through the filing screens on TurboTax and I see that on the page to electronically sign, it gives you a PIN # (there is already a number in the "PIN" field).

I just can't remember what the significance of that is.  What do you need that PIN number for?

[VolvoGirl]

The 5 digit PIN number is any number you select.   I set one the first time I efiled years ago and use the same # each year.   It brings it over from last year and was already filled in for me.  I guess I could change it if I wanted.  Not sure what it’s used for.   I had to call the IRS this year and they never asked for it.   

[TurboLover2]

I think that PIN (the 5 digit one) is used by TurboTax and not the IRS.

Here is a little more info. about it I found.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/pin-code-in-turbotax/00/3270245

Still seems kind of fuzzy about what that PIN is for and whether or not you need to keep it and what happens if you change it and whether there is any advantage to security if you DO change it.

Maybe they use it if you need to contact them about your filing for some reason or about your return?

I keep a record of it but it won't be convenient for me to find so if I need it I want to have it ready in advance when I go through the filing process.  But apparently I can either use the number that is already in there or change it.  And apparently as long as I use TurboTax next year it will fill in that field with whatever I used this year.