[Mail Tax Return] What files & forms should I mail with my tax return?

[habert]

Hello. I have to mail my federal tax return & state tax return this year. I prepared these forms by TurboTax and have got the PDF files for printing. However, I am still confused on what original tax forms should I mail for the tax return.

When preparing the tax form, I used these forms: W-2, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 8833 form and 1042-S form.

For federal tax return, the generated pdf file said I need to attach copy B of W-2 to 1040 form. And I plan to attach 8833 & 1042-S forms. In addition to these, do I also need to attach 1099-B & 1099-DIV forms? I noticed there was a generated SCHEDULE D and 8949 form in the pdf file so I am not sure if I need to mail the original 1099-B and 1099-DIV forms.

For state tax return, the pdf file just said "Be sure to file the original printed return." So should I mail the printed pdf, copy of W-2, 1040 form from federal return, 1099-B, 1099-DIV, 8833 form and 1042-S form?

Thanks!

[JohnW152]

When you’re mailing your federal return, you don’t necessarily need to attach copies of Forms 1099-B or 1099-DIV.

According to Assemble Your Return in the Instructions for Forms 1040 and 1040-SR:

Assemble any schedules and forms behind Form 1040 or 1040-SR in order of the “Attachment Sequence No.” shown in the upper-right corner of the schedule or form. If you have supporting statements, arrange them in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last. File your return, schedules, and other attachments on standard size paper. Cutting the paper may cause problems in processing your return. Don’t attach correspondence or other items unless required to do so. Attach Forms W-2 and 2439 to Form 1040 or 1040-SR. If you received a Form W-2c (a corrected Form W-2), attach your original Forms W-2 and any Forms W-2c. Attach Forms W-2G and 1099-R to Form 1040 or 1040-SR if tax was withheld. 

If you have to attach Forms W-2, W-2c, W-2G, 1099-R or 2439, as referred to above, be sure to attach those to the front of Form 1040 or 1040-SR.  

State return requirements vary.  What state return are you filing?

[habert]

Thanks for your reply. For state return, I am filling Michigan Tax Return. For this package, I have got MI-1040, Schedule W, Schedule D, Form 8949. I think I also need to attach 1040 and copy of W-2. In addition to these, Do I need to attach 1099-B, 1099-DIV, form 8833, form 1042-S for Michigan tax return?

Thanks!

[JohnW152]

The MI-1040 Individual Income Tax Forms and Instructions don’t advise that you attach Form(s) W-2, 1099s of any flavor, 8833 or 1042-S to your return.  

You do need to complete Schedule W, Michigan Withholding Tax Schedule, and attach it to your return.

And, similarly to the federal return requirements, Michigan has an attachment sequence for forms that need to be included.  Please see Assemble your returns and attachments in the link above for the correct order.

[habert]

Thanks. Based on my understanding, I just need to mail the state tax return pdf generated by TurboTax, plus the federal 1040 form. Is this correct? 

[JohnB5677]

Here are just a few items to complete prior to mailing your tax return:

• Sign your return. Your federal tax return is not considered a valid return unless it is signed. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse must also sign.
• Provide a daytime phone number. This may help speed the processing of your return if the IRS has questions about items on your return. If you are filing a joint return, you may provide daytime phone numbers for either you or your spouse.
• Assemble any schedules and forms behind your Form 1040 or 1040A in the order of the "Attachment Sequence No." shown in the upper right hand corner of the schedule or form. Arrange any supporting statements in the same order as the schedules or forms they support and attach them last.
• Attach a copy of Forms W-2, W-2G and 2439 to the front of Form 1040. Also attach Forms 1099-R if tax was withheld.
• Use the coded envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did not receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" in your tax instruction booklet.
• Make your check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury" if you owe tax. Write your name, address, Social Security number, daytime telephone number, and the year and appropriate form number on your payment. Then complete Form 1040-V following the instructions on that form and enclose it in the envelope with your payment. Do not attach the payment to your return.

Also see:  How to Prepare Your Tax Return for Mailing

[DKFredrickson]

It's a little indirect, but the simplest way to ascertain the minimum number of forms to send to Federal, is to use the Turbotax printing menu to create the PDF that has in it only the required forms - that is one of the options in the menu.

For state, they want attached whatever forms you sent to Federal, whether it was the minumum forms or some larger number of forms

[habert]

Thanks!

[habert]

Thanks a lot! This is easier for me.😀

[TaSy]

My child was born and passed in 2022, I didn't request a SSN, so I have to file via mail. When I send the birth and death certificates, can I send a copy or should the original be sent?

[Vanessa A]

You should send copies of the birth and death certificates as the IRS will not be returning these documents to you.  

[TaSy]

Thank you!