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Level 1
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC
Solved

Can I edit the forms directly?

It would really make it simpler as opposed to answering 15 questions about something I know the correct answer to.
CMass-Stan
Level 4
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC

Forms Mode is only available in the CD/Download version. For Online, Interview Mode is the only way to enter info.

45 replies

Level 2
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC
I have the Mac version downloaded. It does not allow me to enter data in manually in the Forms section. Only certain fields (when highlighted blue) allow me to edit or enter data. Is this a bug? It would make life so much easier if i can just enter in the data as I hand did everything on paper...
Level 2
Mar 22, 2023 9:16 PM UTC

I just figured this out! Use 'override' from the Edit Menu. Also using a MAC with the downloaded version. 

Level 2
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC
Just discovered a button called "Forms" on the left hand side of the screen. It allowed me to see my forms and enter data directly.
Level 2
May 9, 2020 4:46 AM UTC

Can you be more specific? I can see the form, but it will not let me enter data directly into the form.   I just download the software tonight for the purpose of filing tonight.  What a waste of time and money!

CMass-Stan
Level 4
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC

Forms Mode is only available in the CD/Download version. For Online, Interview Mode is the only way to enter info.

Level 2
Jun 5, 2019 2:36 AM UTC
Dumb.  I want to enter directly.
Level 2
Apr 23, 2021 9:50 PM UTC

I have the CD version installed and I can go to the form but cannot edit it.

Critter-3
Level 15
Apr 23, 2021 9:53 PM UTC

Most form entries need to be made via the worksheet for that form and if you use the FORMS mode to complete the return instead of the step by step mode in the interview ... direct entries in the FORMS will void the accuracy guarantee and may keep you from efiling.   If you just want to fill in the forms and mail in the return you can use the fill in forms on the IRS website.  

Level 2
Apr 19, 2022 5:44 AM UTC

The expert that replied here is the best / correct answer. However, for those of you who are rushing and didn't read it, the short of it is, you have to go to forms mode, open the form you want and then you can right click on the field / entry you want to change and choose 'override'. This will allow you to manually override the entry. Typically, you should do this at the worksheet level / form, which will then update the actual form that gets sent in. Had to do this this year, although later on figured out why the data was wrong, in my case, my address. It is also worth noting though, this may keep you from e-filing. I got stuck in a loop trying to e-file until I figured out why it had the wrong address on the state return.

Important Note - Forms mode is only available in the CD/Download version(s). I also saw that you can convert to the CD/Download version from the online version but not visa-versa (that's my understanding anyway from prior reading on this).

Level 2
Dec 8, 2023 6:02 AM UTC

You hit the magic with this addition to all the other suggestions how to get into the forms field: "you want to change and choose 'override'."  No one else mentioned that critical part (at least not that I noticed).

Thank you!

Mike9241
Level 15
Level 15
Dec 8, 2023 7:16 AM UTC

@Maximillion yes, you can use override but there are two issues 1) you won't be able to e-file (not important since only 2023 can now be e-filed through Turbotax) and 2) you void the accuracy guarantee.

Mike9241