- How to E-file a Return
How to E-file an Income Tax Return
You've come to the right place to learn how to file your tax return electronically. Select a link below to go directly to a step, or read through the entire article to learn all the steps to e-file a tax return.
Step 1 - Select the tax return(s) you want to file electronically
Step 2 - Verify that your tax return was transmitted successfully
Step 3 - Check the e-file status of your tax return
Step 4 - Print a copy of your tax return for your records
You can also watch the video at the bottom of this article to see how the e-file process works in TurboTax.
Step 1 - Select the tax return(s) you want to file electronically
When you're ready to e-file, go to the Print & File tab at the top, select File a Return, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
In the Select the Returns You're Ready to E-file screen, make sure that you choose the income tax return(s) that you want to e-file.
You might be able to e-file your state tax return in addition to your federal tax return depending on the e-filing requirements for your state. See E-file Your State Tax Return to find out if your state supports electronic filing.
Follow the on-screen instructions in the TurboTax Interview screens.
Step 2 - Verify that your tax return was transmitted successfully
Once you transmit your income tax return(s), you should see a Transmission Successful screen in the TurboTax Interview that confirms that your tax returns were e-filed.
If your tax return was not transmitted, see Resolve E-filing Transmission Issues to troubleshoot the problem.
Note: Do not confuse successfully transmitting your return with a successful acceptance of your tax return by the tax agencies. After you transmit your tax return, it's important to check the status to see if your return has been accepted or rejected.Step 3 - Check the status of your e-filed tax return
You'll receive an e-mail notification from the Intuit Electronic Filing Center if your tax return was accepted or rejected by the IRS.
To check status in TurboTax, wait 24 to 48 hours (federal returns) or up to 5 days (state returns), then go back into the program and check the status of your tax returns.
For more information about this step, see Check the Status of Your E-filed Return.
- Select the Print & File tab, then select E-file Status or Check E-file Status, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
- If your tax return status is still pending, make sure that you've waited at least 24 to 48 hours after you've e-filed your federal return; or that you've waited at least 5 days for a state return. During this period of time between e-filing and receiving an acknowledgment from the taxing authority, a "Pending" status for your tax return is normal.
- If your tax return is rejected, see Resolve an E-filing Rejection.
Step 4 - Print a copy of your income tax return for your records
Here's how to print a copy of your tax return to keep for your records.
TurboTax Desktop
- Start TurboTax and open your tax return.
- From the File menu, select Print.
- In the Printing dialog box, select Forms to review or keep for your records.
- Enter the Number of Copies you want.
- Select Print.
See Print in TurboTax Desktop for more details about printing your tax return.
TurboTax Online
- Sign on to TurboTax Online.
- Select the Print & File tab, then select Print/Save for Records.
- In the Print/Save for Your Records screen, select the View Returns button.
- Wait for the Adobe Reader program to open your tax return.
- When your tax return opens, select the Print Returns button.
See Print in TurboTax Online for more details about printing your tax return.
Video help
Watch the video below to see how the e-file process works in TurboTax.
