How Do I Download My Tax Return as a PDF?

Filing taxes online has made accessing past returns easier, but downloading a copy as a PDF can still be confusing. Whether for personal records, loan applications, or future filings, having a digital version is essential.

Locating Your Return in an Online Account

Start by logging into the platform where you filed your return. If you used tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, sign in to your account. These companies store past returns for several years, though access may depend on whether you used a free or paid version. The IRS also provides return transcripts through its “Get Transcript” tool on IRS.gov, though these are summaries rather than full copies.

Once logged in, look for sections like “Tax Documents,” “Past Returns,” or “My Filings.” Some platforms require selecting a tax year before displaying documents. If you don’t see your return, check account settings or archives. Some providers restrict access to older returns unless you pay for an upgrade, so review account terms if needed.

Selecting the Download Option

Once you find your return, look for a “Download,” “Save as PDF,” or “Print Return” button. Some platforms require opening the return in preview mode before saving. If multiple formats are available, choose PDF, as it preserves formatting and is widely accepted.

For security, some tax software may require identity verification before allowing a download. This could involve answering security questions or entering a one-time code sent via email or text, especially when accessing older returns or logging in from a new device.

If no direct download option is available, use the “Print” function. Many platforms allow you to print the return to a PDF file by selecting “Print to PDF” from printer settings.

Verifying the Format

After downloading, open the file to ensure it saved correctly. Check for missing pages, distorted text, or incomplete forms, which can occur if the download was interrupted. If the document appears incorrect, try downloading it again or using a different browser.

Also, check the file size—IRS tax return PDFs typically range from a few hundred kilobytes to several megabytes, depending on the return’s complexity. An unusually small file may indicate an incomplete download. Ensuring the document is intact helps prevent issues when submitting it for loans, audits, or other official purposes.