NOT efiling - I need to sign my return right? Where?

[DanLoschen]

Pretty easy answer for "where do I sign" if you're efiling. But I am not efiling my state return. There is no space for the signature.  In addition, the instructions TurboTax is giving me say across the top "Electronic Filing Instructions for your 2024 Massachusetts Return" even though I specifically checked off that I was NOT efiling.

I understand that Intuit wants to make that extra $20 or so by arranging for my efiling, but I've already spent enough money, and would rather just mail it.  They claim to have an option for not efiling, but the reality seems to be that they are forcing me to spend that extra money.

Can anyone help out?

[NicolleR1]

The State charge is for TurboTax services, and still needs to be paid even if you are filling by paper. The fees are for tax preparation regardless of whether you e-file or paper file. You will not get the paper filling instructions or all finalized forms until you have paid all corresponding fees. 

Once you have paid the fees, and printed your forms, you will be able to sign your forms. The signature section for the Massachusetts Form 1, or Form 1 NR/PY is located in that first page at the bottom.

[VolvoGirl]

$20 is the cost the efile a state return in the Desktop installed program, not the Online version.   You can avoid the $20 by mailing your return.  Go back through the FILE tab and try to pick mail for state.   You might have to delete the state return and just efile federal now.  Then you can add state back later.  

I just saw a post about mailing state.  I'm looking for it.  But I found this one, read this whole thread. It might help if you want to mail state and not efile it
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/discussion/state-return-pa-stuck-on-e-file-option-but-...

[DanLoschen]

What everyone neglected to mention is that you must BACKTRACK through the federal filing options to the beginning of the process.  Then tell T-tax you intend to file by federal by mail.  It will warn you that you've already filed the federal electronically (duh). THEN it will show the option to print your state forms for filing.  If you proceed in a linear fashion from federal efiling to state, you are NOT given that option.  This is very counterintuitive (and yes, I am using "counter-Intuit-ive" intentionally).  I have been e-filing federal and mailing state for many years, I have never had to do this extra step in the past.  Obviously an example of a big corporation hoping to squeeze a few extra dollars out of their loyal customers.

[massachusetts1]

Hi VolvoGirl or anyone,

I'm submitting an Extension File version of 2024 Massachusetts State Form 1 Return.  So I'm still here on Sept. 27.

The question about Where Do you sign a mailed version?

2024 Form 1, pg. 4      only has line for "Paid preparer's signature".  And below that it reads "Self Prepared" without indicating "signature" by it.

Do I NOT need to sign?  Or can I just sign next "Self Prepared"? and stick a date there?

Thank you.

Massachusetts

[mesquitebean]

---

@ massachusetts1 wrote: Hi VolvoGirl or anyone,

I'm submitting an Extension File version of 2024 Massachusetts State Form 1 Return.  So I'm still here on Sept. 27.

The question about Where Do you sign a mailed version?

2024 Form 1, pg. 4      only has line for "Paid preparer's signature".  And below that it reads "Self Prepared" without indicating "signature" by it.

Do I NOT need to sign?  Or can I just sign next "Self Prepared"? and stick a date there?

Thank you.

---

I don't know what "Extension File version" is, but if you are referring to a standard Massachusetts state Form 1 (Resident income tax return), the signature section is oddly on Page 1.  Look at the bottom of Page 1, right below section 2 (Exemptions.)

At the bottom of Page 4, the very last words on Page 4 also say "Be sure to sign return on Page 1 and enclose Schedule HC (if applicable.)"

[massachusetts1]

Mesquite (in Massachusetts?  great cooking),

Wow!   I didn't even see that on page 1.  I'm sure the filer and preparer signatures were always on the same page, and at end of Form 1.

Thank you for taking the time to answer this.  

"Extension File" version =   I requested an extension back in April so I could file by Oct. 15.

It's the same Form 1 used anytime.

phew. I'm done.

Many thanks and best.

[mesquitebean]

@massachusetts1   You're welcome.  Good luck!

[TahoeHo]

The signature line is on page 2 of form 1040 at the bottom.  it says SIGN HERE in the left margin.