1040-SR (Desktop) | How to Start a Tax Return

First of all, you should note that Admin user accounts cannot start new tax returns.

To start a new tax return, follow the steps below:

From the main screen, enter 1 in this box, then press Enter/Return

2. Enter the Social Security Number in this box, then press Enter

3. If the SSN you entered doesn’t exist, a message like the one below will show. Click Yes

4. Now you will start some sort of interview mode. To answer the question, enter the number of your choice in the box, as seen below, then press Enter:

5. Enter the personal information, then click OK

6. When done, you can edit any of these by clicking them or entering a number in the Enter Option below.

For example, if you click choice #10 (Campaign Fund). This is what I’ll see:

Once you answer your question, it’ll take you back to the main screen. To Exit this page, enter 0 in the Enter Option, then press Enter

7. Answer the Dependents question, then all the questions that show after

8. Answer the Recovery Rebate Credit question.

9. Answer the health insurance question

10. If you have a W-2, click Yes when the software asks

11. Click New.

(if you have more than one W2, you’ll see them in the white area. If you want to edit any, select the one you’d like to edit, then click Edit)

12. When done, click Exit

13. To add any income-related form, choose the form you’d like to add from the list by clicking it or enter its number in the Enter Option box

14. To find a specific form, type its name in the Form Finder box below

15. To navigate through a tax return, choose the tax menu on the left side. For example, to start a state return, choose 10. State Return

Keep an eye on the Diagnostics to find the errors and fix them.

When done, choose Mark Return Electronic if you’d like to e-file

To enter payment information, choose Electronic Payment.

When done, click Exit.

To e-file a tax return, from the toolbar above, choose Electronic e-Filing.

Choose Transmit Electronic Return(s)