Switching to e-filing

[superman23]

I'm using the download version and have completed everything as if filing a paper return. I would now like to change to e-filing for federal, NY and NJ. Will the program prompt me for the additional information needed, e.g. driver's license, bank account number, etc.? I don't recall seeing these fields on the input screens for paper filing. 

[Chaernli]

It did for me, as part of the e-Filing process.

[Rocket J Squirrel]

You will enter this info at the extreme end of the process. I cannot find any way to tell TTWin that I'll e-file without actually beginning the e-file process. Be prepared to actually e-file when to you get there.

[JulieS]

Yes, that is correct. Once you start the File section and indicate you want to e-file, you will be prompted for your state ID.

[superman23]

Will I be able to print the returns before I “push the e-file button”. Or are they printable after they’re e-filed?

(I have printed the paper version.)

[DanP0428]

You can print after you have paid for TurboTax.

[GES1513]

The Turbotax program will prompt you for all the information required to file.  Make sure you have all the documents (drivers license, w-2's, state, federal, local, etc. at your fingertips. you should be ok.

[GES1513]

You will have the opportunity to save to pdf file and print the documents if you wish to do so before you press "e-file".

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Yes.  But you said you already have the printed version.  You can print anytime from the Desktop program.  After you file you should save your return as the pdf file.  Go up to FILE- Save to pdf.  In the Desktop program you can always open your return after you file to print or look at it.   So be careful not to change anything.  I save my PDF and add FINAL to the name.   You'll see how it works.  It will ask if you want to print it before you file.  

Then after you efile and it is Accepted be sure to update the status.  

For the Desktop program you have to check the filing status inside the program. Open your return and go up to menu item

File > Electronic Filing > Check Electronic Filing Status

Then save your return with the status. Go to File-Save.

[VolvoGirl]

By the way it is $25 to efile a state return from the Desktop program,  except New York is free. But at the end go slow and be careful what you click on.  There is one screen that can trip you up and you might pick to have the fee deducted from your federal refund for an EXTRA fee.  So pay the fees with a credit card before you file.  

Have you ever looked at the Forms Mode?  You can print anything you want from there.  Switch to Forms and look around.  The Desktop program has a lot of features.  I also have the Windows Home & Business version if you need help.  I can make you screen shots.

[superman23]

Thanks to all for answering my e-file questions. 

I'm almost ready to roll.

Question - in the forms mode, on the left side there are so many worksheets which I don't find useful. There are a whole lot of questions and boxes checked (or not). My inclination is, when the input has passed TT review, to just look at the forms in the print box, where you're asked about which forms to print, worksheets, etc. I know what to look for in a tax return. Thoughts?

[Rocket J Squirrel]

I always "print" my complete return and all pertinent worksheets to a PDF file. If and when I need a paper copy of anything, I can tell Adobe Reader which pages to print.

[superman23]

I e-filed federal and NY (I think) returns. I have 2 questions-

1. NY filing instructions say that an e-file authorization will need to be signed. What’s meant by that? (TT included a page that acknowledged that federal was e-filed, with the date; not for NY)

2. During the e-file process, when I looked at print preview, it was set to include worksheets. I could change that to government forms only (which is from what I printed) but whenever I return to that screen, the option with the worksheets is checked again. Does that mean that the worksheets are actually included in the e-file? I don’t know why that would be.

Thanks.

[JulieS]

No, the worksheets are not included in the e-file, but it is useful to have them if there are questions about how things were calculated.

As far as the  e-file authorization, you are supposed to print it, sign it and keep it for three years. It should be included in your NY tax return. 

[superman23]

I don’t see any e-file authorization for NY. But it does say under status that NY is pending, so apparently it did get e-filed. Federal has been accepted. I know NY takes longer. 
The good think is, that the authorization doesn’t go anywhere.