View Return Before E-filing

[superman23]

I've completed the return as if I were paper filing, but I do want to e-file Federal, NJ and NY (N/R). However, I would like to see what the returns look like when I convert to e-file, but before I e-file.

On the screen that says "E-file Your Federal Return for Free", down at the bottom it asks "Need to print for review?" Clicking on that takes me to an explanation saying that in a few screens I will see "Want to see a copy before e-filing?" That sounds like what I want, but I have not gotten to that screen.

I have checked the box "do not e-file my federal return. I'll do it later". Same for the states.

Please let me know the steps that will allow me to print the returns as they look when set up for e-filing, and then proceed to e-file when I'm satisfied.

Also, shouldn't I be asked for driver's license information, bank account numbers, etc.? Thanks.

[MarilynG1 · Accepted solution]

Uncheck the box 'do not Efile my return now' in order to come to the screen where you can View/Print/Download a PDF copy of your return to review prior to filing.

After you have reviewed your returns, return to the FILE section to continue where you left off.  Then you'll enter Bank info, Driver's License, etc.

Your returns are not actually filed until you click on the 'Transmit Returns' button, so you can return to sections to review/edit, etc. 

Here's more info on how to Preview Return Before Filing.

@superman23 

[superman23]

Very helpful. Follow up question- the print preview that’s given includes worksheets, e.g., 2 year comparison. I can’t imagine that these forms are included in the e-file. Please confirm they are not included. 

Also, after the return is transmitted, will I be able to print a final copy AND save a PDF?

Thanks.

[fanfare]

There should be an option : print forms required for filing.

TurboTax only generates PDF files. It doesn't print.

Always print a copy of your completed tax return for your records, and review it carefully before e-Filing.
You will need it if you are audited by the IRS, or to amend if a TurboTax update changes your return or for any other reason,

AND, to find your AGI next year.

@superman23 

@

[JulieS · Accepted solution]

No, the worksheets are not sent to the IRS with the e-file, they are only there so people can understand the calculations, and compare their return to last year's.

You can download, save a PDF and print your return after you pay. Many people review their copy before they submit the return for e-file. If you want to do that, you can pay and print through the Print Center:

1. Click on Tax Tools at the bottom of the left side menu.
2. Select Print Center below that. 
3. Click on Print, save or preview this year's return. 
4. You will be prompted to pay, if you haven't yet.
5. Select the option to include the forms you want to have. 
6. A PDF will be generated, which you can save or print for review. 
    

[Christine Cutcliffe1]

Will not let me e-file

[MichelleLO]

Are you receiving a specific error message when trying to e-file? If so, please provide the error message so that we can better assist you.

@Christine Cutcliffe1 

[fmcveigh]

Review return BEFORE E-filing

[fmcveigh]

HOW can I review my return NOW?

[mesquitebean]

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@ fmcveigh wrote:

HOW can I review my return NOW?

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How to view depends on whether or not you have already paid.   If you haven't yet paid, you can preview your Form 1040 and Schedules 1-3 at any time for free (but not the other forms and schedules.)  Here's how:

• Open your return, and in the left menu column, choose TAX TOOLS, then choose TOOLS.
• In the Tools window, choose View Tax Summary.
• When the Tax Summary opens, look in the left menu column and choose Preview My 1040.
• That will show you the Form 1040 and schedules 1-3.

Or if you wish to do so, you can pay for your product in advance to view/print the Form 1040 and all forms in your return at will.  Here's how:

• Open your return, and in the left menu column, choose Tax Tools, then Print Center.
• Then choose "Print/save/preview this year's return."
• On the next screen choose to "Pay now".
• Note:  It may try to upsell you on add-ons like MAX, which you can choose or decline.
• The next screen should be an Order Summary.  Review that, and if all is OK, click Continue.
• It should then prompt you for payment by credit or debit card.  The screen only says "credit card", but it will take a debit card.  If it should offer you the option to "pay later" out of the Federal refund, that can't be used for this purpose.  You will need to pay now by credit/debit card in order to download/print prior to filing.
• Then you should have an option of which PDF to download/print/view.  "Just my tax returns", or "include government worksheets (optional)", or "include government and TurboTax worksheets (optional.)"

 NOTE:  Remember all PDF tax documents and tax data files are very sensitive files, since they contain your personal ID info, financial data, and possibly bank account numbers, etc.  Be sure to store them safely and securely to guard against computer theft, hacking, etc.