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New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 7:36:40 PM

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.

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1 Best answer
Level 2
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:44 PM

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

24 Replies
New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:42 PM

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...

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:43 PM

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
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:44 PM

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

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:46 PM

Dumb.  I want to enter directly.

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:47 PM

@theheasers   You can in the Desktop program installed on your computer.  You can move an online return and switch to Desktop  without paying for online version.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:48 PM

Yeah, now you tell me!

Not applicable
Jun 4, 2019 7:36:50 PM

I agree. The interview drives me crazy.

Level 2
Mar 9, 2020 3:38:35 AM

Hi,  -  using desktop (CD download) 2019 Premier, on a Mac. I can view and open Forms, but not seeming able to make manual inputs, or otherwise edit.  Any guidance, secret or hack would be appreciated!  Please.   @VolvoGirl , or anyone!

Returning Member
Apr 9, 2020 11:18:27 AM

Did you get a response. I too am finding it very frustrating that I cannot enter a manual description on a state tax  form, therefore the state rejects the electronic filing. 

Intuit Alumni
Apr 9, 2020 12:11:27 PM
Level 2
May 8, 2020 9:46:51 PM

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!

Level 2
May 8, 2020 9:48:02 PM

Just so you know, that doesn't work!

Returning Member
May 9, 2020 2:48:38 PM

I made an incorrect entry for Simple IRA contributions which effectively doubled the contribution amount.  TurboTax won't recognize my edit i.e. the amount remains doubled.  Any ideas?

Level 1
Apr 23, 2021 2:50:13 PM

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

Level 15
Apr 23, 2021 2:53:47 PM

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 12, 2022 11:35:19 AM

That does not work. I can get to the form via the "Forms" button on top left and also "Open Form" but it is not editable. I am using Turbotax Home & Business 2021 for Mac, download version. 

 

This is very frustrating.

Level 2
Apr 12, 2022 11:36:31 AM

Not true. I am using Download version & can access the form but can't edit it.

Intuit Alumni
Apr 12, 2022 12:33:34 PM

Please see this Turbo Tax help article. 

 

How do I override (replace) an amount calculated by TurboTax?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-override-replace-an-amount-calculated-by-turbotax/00/25608

 

You may also want to update the software if you are not able to type in the Forms mode.

Returning Member
Apr 18, 2022 10:44:57 PM

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
Mar 19, 2023 3:17:18 PM

The link you posted shows how to switch to forms mode, but it does not answer questions about editing the forms. 

Intuit Alumni
Mar 20, 2023 8:09:53 AM

@TmacprFLK 

 

May I ask what form are you trying to edit?

Level 2
Mar 20, 2023 10:44:34 AM

I was trying to fill in line 5a on form 1040 to include the pension amount. Yes, its debatable if that is needed if line 5b is filled in. The main issue I was having is I needed to fill in the 3rd party designee because I am doing the return for a  deceased family member. TT interview mode did not give me a way to do that, and I am not able to edit that section from the forms mode. 

Expert Alumni
Mar 20, 2023 11:17:58 AM

If you received the 1099-R income as a Beneficiary,  click this link for detailed info on How to Report Income as a Beneficiary.  If you are filing a final return for a deceased person, TurboTax will ask in the interview if this is the case.  If you entered the taxpayer in the My Info section, there is a checkbox to indicate the person is deceased and a follow-up question to ask if you are filing for them.  

 

When you entered the 1099-R in the Retirement Income section, if you entered an amount for Gross Distribution and Taxable Amount, those amounts should carry over to Form 1040, Lines 5a/b as you mentioned.  There is no special notation needed on Line 5a for a deceased person.  However, the IRS has a copy of the 1099-R, so if no amount shows on Line 5a (only 5b), this does not affect the tax return.  

 

Some amounts on Form 1040 are not directly editable, as data is pulled from another form (as in this case).  Use the magnifying glass next to the line to drill down to the original entry (which will be the 1099-R).

 

Here's more info on Filing a Final Return for a Deceased Person. 

 

Sorry for your loss. 

 

@TmacprFLK 

 

 

New Member
Mar 22, 2023 2:16:35 PM

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