i have several turbotax files from last year because i was researching different outcomes. How can i determine which one was the official return that i filed? there are more than 1 that shows up as accepted.

[Critter-3]

When you do test returns and you save them and you failed to name the files differently then all you can do is open them one by one to see which one was the filed return.  

[Critter-3]

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?

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?

Always remember to shut off the auto update function once you have filed your returns and do not do any updates unless you have safeguarded the PDF & .taxfiles to a removable storage unit for safekeeping.  Click on ONLINE then Update Preferences.... don't be afraid to click on all the  menu headings to find all the goodies that are hiding. 

[VolvoGirl]

Did you use the Desktop CD/Download program?  Then open each return and see which one was efiled (if you efiled).  If you used the CD/Download Desktop program you look up your efile status inside the program. Go up to FILE - Electronic Filing - Check Electronic Filing Status.  

When you find the actual filed return then save it with a different name like yourname FINAL.  Go up to FILE -SAVE AS

[john3939]

Thanks to all for the responses.

I figured out I can go to FORMs view, and look for the postmark report, and based on that date, identify the file.

But since I copied the filed return to perform a what-if analysis, it also included the postmark report.

The file names were different but since they are very long, they don't display completely in the Turbotax initial open a return display.  i had to go to windows file explorer and look around a bit to find the right version.

and when I click to check efile status, apparently it automagically updates the file, so the time stamps are no longer indicative of actual filing date.  

[macuser_22]

Have you tried the "File" tab and check e-file status?

Of course if you made a duplicate copy of the file you filed with then it should not matter which one was the actual file since they are identical duplicates, but if you modified one after duplicating then you would have to determine which one you modified.   (A Mac has date/time created, date/time modified time stamps).

[fanfare]

it's really important to rename the file you e-Filed or mailed, to include keyword FILED, immediately.

[macuser_22]

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@fanfare wrote:

it's really important to rename the file you e-Filed or mailed, to include keyword FILED, immediately.

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A Mac has an option to lock a file that prevents any modification.   As soon as I file and it is accepted I lock the data file.   I can copy it at will and play with it the copy all I want but the original can never be changed (unless it is manually unlocked).