What’s wrong with having a watermark?

This is a workaround that looks like it works when I print preview

When you open that print return window,  leave the Mask checkbox unchecked and go check the Watermark box and delete the words in there and replace with blank spaces, now go back and check the Mask checkbox and print the return.       

Im not sure those settings will stay for each client though.

Thank you, I'll try that.  I did try unchecking "Mask Data", then I checked "Watermark".  I deleted the default watermark so it was blank, and then I checked "Mask Data" again.  When I did so, the default watermark automatically came up.  I will try your suggestion, and enter blank spaces.  Hopefully that will work. 

Nothing.  I have changed it to say "Client Copy" so it's not as big across the page, and not as wordy.  I just prefer no watermark. 

Not sure it matters, but you don't have to print the "client copy" to give to the client, you can give them any of the copies available after selecting the forms you want included.

I don't know if the same thing happens with the watermark on other copies(preparer or filing) or not, but it might be worth checking.

But you don't have the option to block sensitive information on the filing copy since it is potentially the copy that would get sent to the IRS.

ok, Im at the office now and youre right, it wont mask without a watermark, I must not have had my glasses on last night when I was fiddling with it at home.

I only print the filing copy, no masking.  I want my clients to see and notice if an SSN is wrong or not and the Client and Preparer copies print out with soooo much fluff and junk thats not needed, I just tailor my filing copy to include anything that goes to IRS and a few more handy worksheets I like to see and my copy has the same things the clients has , so no surprise questions asking about this or that.

I usually do the same, tailor the return to print the same for all copies.  I usually don't mask the SSN, but since I am emailing many returns to clients (through an encrypted email), everything you read says how the SSN and bank account info should be masked for protection.  I do agree with you though; if I mask numbers who's to say some of the numbers masked are incorrect.  How can the client correct me if they can't see the whole number?  I think I just solved my problem lol.  Thank you!

I dont email anything anymore, I use a secure portal for people to upload to, I still send copies by regular US Mail, unmasked, if the SSA can send out the actual SS card by regular US Mail, I can send unmasked copies to people!!   

I tell people over and over ,dont email me anything with your confidential info  on it, but we've always got those that dont read or listen, so thats on them!  I scan it with my AV, then print it and delete the email.