# Annotate PDF for tax preparers

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/tax-preparers/annotate-pdf_

Arthize lets tax professionals annotate a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text.

## Why tax preparers annotate a PDF

A tax preparer merges the return with its schedules and supporting documents into one client file, extracts figures from a PDF form into a worksheet, and password-protects the final package.

**Built for tax returns.** Whether it's tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, schedules, Arthize's annotate pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. Returns contain Social Security numbers and income data; private processing and deletion are essential.

## What matters when you annotate a PDF

Annotations sit on top of the page and don't change the underlying text.

You can highlight, comment, draw and add notes.

Annotated files are ideal for review and feedback.

## How to annotate a PDF

1. **Open the editor** — Sign in and open the PDF editor.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the document to mark up.
3. **Add annotations** — Highlight text, add comments, draw shapes or leave notes.
4. **Download** — Save the annotated PDF.

## FAQ

### How do tax preparers annotate a PDF for free?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why tax professionals can use it for tax returns without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to annotate a PDF sensitive tax returns?

Yes. Returns contain Social Security numbers and income data; private processing and deletion are essential. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I annotate a PDF?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Can I highlight and comment on a PDF?

Annotating a PDF adds highlights, comments, shapes and notes on top of the page, so you can mark up a document without changing its text. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.