How to Paper File Your Tax Return

Paper filing means mailing your tax return to the IRS instead of submitting it electronically (e-filing). While most taxpayers can choose either method, some situations require a paper return. 

When Do You Need to Paper File a Tax Return?

You may need to mail your return if:
  • Your return has been rejected multiple times when attempting to e-file.
  • Your return includes forms or attachments that cannot be transmitted electronically.
  • You're filing for a deceased taxpayer (although some estate-related returns can still be e-filed).
  • The taxpayer does not have a Social Security number (SSN).
  • You're filing a prior-year tax return.
In many cases, paper filing is optional. However, if e-filing isn't available for your situation, mailing your return is the alternative.

How to Print Your Tax Return

To print your return from the software:
  1. Open the tax year you want to file.
  2. Select Review > Summary or Summary/Print from the navigation menu.
  3. On the Tax Return Summary page, select Print at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Download and print the PDF copy of your return.
You'll use these printed forms when mailing your return to the IRS and, if applicable, your state tax agency. If you have not yet paid for your return, you can select Preview Draft to view a watermarked version. You will need to pay for services before a version without the watermark will be provided. 

Why Don't I See the Print Option?

If the Print button isn't available, your return hasn't been purchased yet.

To access your printable return:

  1. Select Review > Print Results from the left navigation menu.
  2. Complete the purchase process.
  3. Return to the Tax Return Summary page.
  4. Select Print to download your PDF.

What Should I Mail With My Tax Return?

When mailing your return, include all pages that printed except Form 8879.

Form 8879 is used to authorize electronic filing and is for your records only when paper filing.

Before mailing your return:

  • Sign and date the return where required.
  • Attach copies of your Forms W-2.
  • Attach any Forms 1099 that show federal income tax withholding.
  • Include any additional schedules, forms, or supporting documents generated with your return.
Taking a few minutes to verify signatures and attachments can help prevent processing delays.

Where Do I Mail My Tax Return?

The IRS mailing address for your federal return depends on:
  • The state where you live.
  • Whether you're including a payment with your return.
Use the IRS's current "Where to File" information to determine the correct federal mailing address. For state returns, the appropriate mailing address is typically printed directly on the state return forms.
 

Recommended Order of Documents 

If you are mailing your federal tax return, use the following order to assemble your documents. This helps the IRS process your return correctly.

  1. Form 1040 - Place Form 1040 on top of the return package.
    • Attach all W-2 forms to the front of Form 1040 where indicated.
    • Attach any Forms 1099 that show federal income tax withholding, such as Form 1099-R or Form 1099-G to front of 1040 (behind W-2). 
  2. Schedules - Attach any schedules directly behind Form 1040 in numerical order:
    • Schedule 1
    • Schedule 2
    • Schedule 3
    • Any other schedules included with your return
  3. Additional Tax Forms - Attach any supporting tax forms after the schedules.
    • Examples include:
      • Form 8863
      • Form 8949
      • Form 8995
      • Other forms required for your return
      • If a form includes an attachment sequence number, arrange forms in that order.
  4. Supporting Statements and Explanations
    • Include any required statements, explanations, elections, or other supporting documents after your tax forms.
  5. Payment (if you owe tax)
    • Include Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher.
    • Include your check or money order payable as instructed on Form 1040-V.
    • Do not staple or attach your payment to the tax return.

Do I Have to Mail My Tax Return?

Not necessarily, the IRS generally accepts electronic filing through the end-of-season October extension deadline. If e-filing is still available and your return qualifies for electronic submission, you can e-file instead of mailing your return.

E-filing is typically faster, provides confirmation of acceptance, and often results in quicker refund processing.

How Do I Know if the IRS Accepted My Paper-Filed Return?

Unlike e-filed returns, paper-filed returns do not receive an automatic acceptance notification.

You can confirm that the IRS has processed your return by:

  • Checking the IRS Where's My Refund? tool if you're expecting a refund.
  • Monitoring for your refund deposit or refund check.
  • Reviewing any IRS correspondence related to the return.
  • Contacting the IRS if you need confirmation that your return was received and processed.
Because paper returns must be opened and manually processed, it can take significantly longer for statuses to appear than with e-filed returns.

Additional Information

If you paper file your federal return, you will also need to paper file your state return. When electronically filing, state returns are only sent after the federal return is accepted. If you are unable to E-file your federal return, you will have to paper file both the federal and state return(s).

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While TaxSlayer strives to make the information and links contained in our KB articles as timely and accurate as possible, we make no promise or guarantee about the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the contents on these pages. The information contained in the Knowledgebase (KB) is for general information only and is not intended to be tax, financial, or legal advice. The user is encouraged to review additional state and federal resources and publications as needed.

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