Feedback - Tax return status info

[Bob_Mackenzie]

This is a suggestion for the Development team.  I have used TurboTax for years, and after filing each year, I try to prepare a few "what-if" scenarios for the next year.  I have not found any option to import or copy the current year tax return data without including the current file submission status.  I resort to doing a "save as" with a new file name.  This saves re-entry of a lot of data, and I can then alter assumptions or scenarios as needed.  I recognize that tax rates and laws change frequently, but this at least provides a starting point, and it has worked reasonably well for me.  However, it is alarming to see these "what-if" federal and state scenarios flagged as "submitted" when I go back to review / edit them.  I would like to suggest an option to "save as" without the current return status, or to simply import / copy from the current year return.  Thank you.

[Critter-3 · Accepted solution]

There is a What If tool ...   

And you should retitle the filed return so you know which one is the filed return (and save it to a removable storage medium so you don't mess it up accidentally)  so you know which one it is and you can delete all the unwanted What If files.  

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

 

What is Forms Mode?

Forms Mode lets you view and make changes to your tax forms "behind the scenes."

If you're adventurous, you can even prepare your return in Forms Mode, but we don't recommend it. You may miss obscure credits and deductions you qualify for, and you may forget to report things that will come back and haunt you later.

Forms Mode is exclusively available in the TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

Related Information:

• Why would I use Forms Mode?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Windows software?
• How do I switch to Forms Mode in the TurboTax for Mac software?
• What is-the-meaning-of-all-the-different-colors-in-forms-mode

If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….

• >>>In the TurboTax CD/Download software by creating a test copy: 
• 1.  Open your return in TurboTax. 
• 2.  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
• 3.  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• 4. Click  Save. You are now safely working in the test copy and anything you do here will not affect the original. 
•  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900642-how-to-make-a-test-copy-of-your-return

• >>  use the WHAT IF tool: 
• - Click Forms Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 2 (forms view) 
• - Click on the Open Form Icon 
• - In the “Type a form name.” area type What-If (with the dash), click on the name of the worksheet - click on Open Form 
• - You will see the worksheet on the right side of the screen; enter the information right into the form 
• - To get back to interview mode - click on the Step-by-Step Icon (upper right of screen) or Ctrl 1

It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your tax data file, in case your original gets lost or corrupted. Here's how:

1. From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
2. Browse to where you want to save your backup.
   • Tip: If you're saving to a portable device, save it to your computer first to prevent data corruption. Then, after completing Step 4, copy or move the backup file to your device.
3. In the File name field, enter a name that will distinguish it from the original tax file (for example, add "Backup" or "Copy" to the file name)
4. Click Save and then close TurboTax.
5. Restart TurboTax and open the backup copy to make sure it's not corrupted. If you get an error, delete the backup and repeat these steps.

If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.

Related Information:                             

• Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
• What's the difference between the tax data file and the PDF file?

AND save it as a PDF so you have access to a copy even if you don’t have the program still installed and operational :

• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Windows?
• How do I save my return as a PDF in the TurboTax software for Mac?

AND protect the files :

• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

[VolvoGirl]

Maybe you should save and make your test copy  right before you file and submit so it doesn't have the status on it.  Add the word COPY to the file name.   And after the real filed return is Accepted I add FINAL to the file name and save the full pdf with FINAL on it.

[Bob_Mackenzie]

Thank you - I had no idea the what-if feature existed in Forms mode.  I tried searching Help for it in within the file and had no luck finding it either.

Thank you!

[Bob_Mackenzie]

Thank you - this is a good idea!

[VolvoGirl]

Did you find the What-If worksheet?

[Bob_Mackenzie]

Sorry for my poor wording - yes, I did find it in the Forms mode - quite a hidden feature.  I meant to say I did not find any reference to the worksheet in the "Help" function.  You've done some great digging.  Thank you!

[Critter-3]