Article: 50032

e-Filing

Once you have completed all necessary entries for your return, follow these steps to complete your e-file.

1. Click File in the left sidebar to begin the filing process
   • If you wish to preview your return, click Free Return Preview.
     • Click Yes, I’d like to create a preview of my return.
     • Click View Return.

       This version should not be used for paper-filing. Continue through the filing steps to generate the final version of the return. The preview version will not contain direct deposit or debit information, Identity Protection PINs, etc.

   • Otherwise, click File Now at the bottom of the page
2. Double Checking Your Return (System check for errors)
   • Click Continue Filing at the bottom of the page
3. Next Steps (System summary of filing process)
   • Click Continue Filing at the bottom of the page
4. E-filing Your Return
   • If you do not wish to e-file, click No thanks, I don’t want to e-file my federal/state return (more details below).
   • Otherwise, click Continue Filing at the bottom of the page
5. Put Your Mind at Ease with Expert Protection (Protection Plus Offer).
   • For audit protection, click Add Protection Plus.
   • Otherwise, click No Thanks.
6. One Price Guarantee page. Choose preferred payment type, click Continue to Payment.
   • If you choose e-Collect, follow the steps to have your payment withheld from your refund.
   • If you choose Credit Card, input card information and click Pay Now.
7. State Identification
   • Select whether to provide state ID info
     • If yes, input information, then Continue.
   • Otherwise, click Continue Filing.
8. Before Signing Your Return (AGI Prompt)
   • Select whether you filed with the IRS last year
     • If yes, click Yes.
       • Input previous year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
       • Do not use any symbols, decimals, or spaces. Do not enter any values that follow decimal points.
       • Click Continue Filing.
     • If no, click No
       • Click Continue Filing
9. Identity Protection PIN (IP-PIN)
   • Select whether IRS sent you an IP-PIN
     • If yes, input PIN and Continue
     • If No, click No
10. Finish Signing Your Return
    • Input personal PIN (5 digits)
    • Check I have read and agree to these conditions.
    • Click Sign Return
11. Congratulations, you are ready to e-file!
    • Click I’m not a robot.
    • Pass the test
    • Click E-File Return

Paper-filing

1. Select the File tab.
2. Select Continue until you get to the E-filing Your Return screen.
3. Select No thanks, I don’t want to file my return.
4. Select Continue past the bank information screen.
5. On the View and Print Your Return screen, choose to View Return.

For more information about printing, see Printing a Return.

Mailing instructions and the mailing address are also available on this screen. Mail the entire return along with copies of any tax documents that show federal taxes withheld. Do not forget to sign and date your return at the bottom. If paper-filing a state return, consult the state instructions for the current filing address.

Filing an extension

Choose the My Return tab on the left, then select Need an extension? Click Work on my extension and follow the steps.