If you received your tax return by email and can't open the attachment, don't worry. The file is sent in a secure, encrypted ZIP format to help protect your personal information. Follow the steps below to access your return.
Download the ZIP File
When you receive the email, download the attached encrypted ZIP file to your device.
Open the ZIP File
The process depends on the device you're using:
- Windows computer: In most cases, Windows will automatically extract (unzip) the file when you open it.
- Mac (Apple) computer: Download and install the extraction software recommended in the email before opening the ZIP file.
- Phone or tablet: You may need a file extraction app to open the ZIP attachment. Popular options include:
- WinZip for Android devices
- iZip for iPhone and iPad devices
Enter the Password
After extracting the file, open the document that was created. You'll be prompted to enter a password.
The password is the primary taxpayer's Social Security number (SSN) entered as a continuous string of numbers:
- Do not include dashes (-)
- Do not include spaces
For example, if the SSN is 123-45-6789, enter 123456789.
Open the Tax Return PDF
Once you've entered the correct password, your tax return should open.
If the file still won't open, make sure you have a current PDF reader installed on your device. Adobe Acrobat Reader is a common option that works with most tax return PDF files.