Paper filing simply means you submit your tax return by mail, as opposed to electronically submitting it.
Why would I need to paper file my return?
Most of the time, it is up to the taxpayer if they wish to e-file or file by paper. However, you may be required to paper file if your return
- is rejected a number of times
- includes an item with your return that cannot be transmitted electronically
- is for a deceased individual (not necessary in all cases)
- is for an individual who does not have a Social Security Number (SSN)
- is for a prior tax year
How do I print my return?
To print your tax return, access the corresponding tax year and select Review > Summary or Summary/Print from the navigation bar. On your Tax Return Summary, select "Print" at the bottom to access your return's PDF. From here, simply print your PDF to receive a hard copy of your return.
What if I do not see the option to print?
If you do not see the option to print on your Tax Return Summary, it is because you have not paid for your return. You need to select Review > Print Results from the left navigation menu to purchase your return. After you purchase the return, you will return to your Tax Return Summary and have the option to print.
What do I send with my return?
When you mail your return, include all the pages that were printed out except Form 8879. Form 8879 is for informational purposes only so you can keep it for your records. Please be sure to sign your return and attach a copy of your W-2s and/or 1099s along with any additional forms that have been generated based on your entries.
Where do I mail my return?
Your federal return's mailing address is based on the state you live in. For a list of federal return addresses based on your state, please click here. If you are also filing a state return, the state mailing address is printed on the state returns.
Do I have to mail my tax return?
No. There is a deadline for electronic filing each tax season that falls in October. If you have not missed the electronic filing deadline, you can electronically file instead of mailing in your return.
How do I Know if the IRS Accepted my Paper Filed Return?
With a paper‑filed tax return, the IRS doesn’t send an automatic “accepted” confirmation the way they do for e‑filed returns. Instead, you confirm it indirectly. Here are the main ways to tell:
- Check the Where's My Refund tool. If the tool shows a status for your refund, they've accepted your return.
- Watch for your refund. The IRS will only issue a refund after they have accepted and processed the tax return in question.
- If you receive any correspondence from the IRS in the mail related to your paper filed return, it indicates the IRS has accepted it.
- Call the IRS. If you are unable to determine if the IRS has received your paper filed return, call them to learn more.
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).