Quick version: On the form’s print screen, choose Pre-printed IRS forms. Under Fine-tune alignment, set how far to move the data next to X: and Y:. Check it with a test print on plain paper before printing on your forms.
If your data prints too high, too low, or off to one side, you can shift all of it together, in fractions of an inch. This only changes where the data prints. It doesn’t change anything on your form.
Before you start
Load plain paper in your printer for test prints, so you don't waste pre-printed forms.
Keep a blank pre-printed form nearby to compare against.
Adjust your print alignment
Go to Forms, find the form, and click Actions → Print.
Find the form you want to print, then click Actions.
Select Pre-printed IRS forms. Keep this selected even for plain-paper test prints, so the data prints where it will on the real form.
Under Fine-tune alignment, next to X:, choose Left or Right, and type how far to move the data side to side, in inches.
In the box next to it, type how far to move the data side to side, in inches.
Next to Y:, choose Up or Down, and type how far to move the data up or down, in inches.
In the box next to it, type how far to move the data up or down, in inches.
Click Print Forms. Your form opens as a PDF in a new browser tab.
In the PDF viewer, click the print icon. Set scaling to 100% and turn off any fit to page option, or your alignment will be off. Print on plain paper.
Set scaling to 100% and turn off any fit-to-page option, or your alignment will be off. Then click Print to print on plain paper.
[CHECK: confirm on a printed test page that Down moves data down]
Check your test print
Place your test print on top of a blank pre-printed form and hold both up to a light. If the data doesn’t line up with the boxes, go back to the print screen and adjust X: and Y: again.
When it lines up, print on your pre-printed forms. To mail them, choose Print without Watermark first. That requires an eFile purchase or a fee.
Your alignment is saved. Adams Tax Forms Helper remembers your settings in this browser for each form type, tax year, and copy, so next time they’re already set. They aren’t shared with other browsers or computers.
Common questions
Is there a faster way to make small adjustments?
Yes. Use the arrow buttons. Each click moves the data 1 point (about 0.014 inch). The up and down arrows change Y:, and the left and right arrows change X:.
What's the most I can move my data?
Up to 1 inch in each direction.
How do I undo my changes?
Click Reset. Both distances go back to 0. Reset is grayed out when nothing has been changed.
Why are my settings already filled in?
Your alignment from the last time you printed this form type, tax year, and copy in this browser was saved. Click Reset to start over.
My data is off by a lot, or looks smaller than the form. What’s wrong?
It’s usually your printer’s scaling, not the form. Set scaling to 100%, turn off any fit-to-page option, and print again. Some printers have scaling under Printer Properties, Preferences, or Advanced settings. See Printing from Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari.
Can I mail the watermarked copy?
No. Watermarked copies are for testing and your own records. To print forms you’ll mail, choose Print without Watermark. Previous years’ forms print without a watermark at no charge.
Once your forms line up, see Printing multiple records to print the rest at once.