I've already filed my Fed and State return. I'm happy. How do I do a what if but not file

[retiree · Accepted solution]

For On-Line version

Unfortunately the on-line version does not support a 'what-if' scenario (that is only available with the desktop version).

Once you make ANY changes to the online version the previous information is overwritten and is PERMANENTLY deleted.  You will have to manually re-enter/re-create your return.

You might want to try to create NEW dummy accounts for your various scenarios and then simply abandon them when you are finished.

Create New On-Line account :

Go to turbotax.com and look for the 'New to TurboTax?" 'Start for Free' BLUE button near the top center of the screen.

How to Clear AND Delete

How to clear an on-line return and start over

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900891-how-do-i-start-over-in-turbotax-online

(Please note that the link may 'appear' to be truncated, however it will work (if you hover your mouse over the link you will see the full link.)

How to delete tax return in TTax On-line

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899886-can-i-delete-my-tax-return-in-turbotax-online

(Please note that the link may 'appear' to be truncated, however it will work (if you hover your mouse over the link you will see the full link.)

Note: This will also clear/delete any data you have transferred from last year or downloaded from a Financial Institution.

CAVEAT:

While you can clear the information in a return in an account, you CANNOT delete an account.

[retiree]

For DESKTOP version ONLY

Select 'Forms Mode' - (upper right corner of Step-by-Step screen)

Select 'Open Form'  - (upper LEFT corner (just above "Forms in My Return" click on icon)

Enter "What-if" (without quotes) in the Search field (at top under 'Search or Browse ,,,' heading)

'Double Click' on the "What-if" entry listed in the list of forms below (under 'US Form 1040 ...')

NOTE: Be sure to type the search phrase SLOWLY, and to use a '-' and not a space between the words entered.  The search will auto-complete generally by the time 'wh' is entered.

For safety, to protect your return, whenever you are doing things like a 'what-if' compare, it is a good practice to make a COPY of your return and do the 'what-if' exercise on the COPY.

[severnanna]

Thanks.. Very Clear!  How do we get a CD to install instead of on-line?

[retiree]

You can purchase CD (or Download) from TTax at this link:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/?view=desktop">https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes...>

Please be aware that the current screen graphics display make it somewhat confusing regarding Windows or MAC and whether you want a CD or download.   Please read carefully; the choice to order a CD is shown in much smaller letters.

Check reputable local big-box stores or their on-line equivalents.  They generally charge less than TTax charges for direct purchases.

[severnanna]

Thank you for your response.  I'm using the On-Line version on my desktop.  It appears there is no forms mode with that version.  if I did a "what if" it would probably permanently change my already filed return which I don't want to do.

[retiree]

Your original post indicated that you were using the Desktop version --See additional answer above (?) for the On-Line version.   Be aware that the On-Line version was not designed to do 'What If' comparisons and the information posted below is complex and could result in you overwriting (destroying) your tax return information.

[severnanna]

Thanks. Sorry about the desktop version mistake.  Didn't understand the desktop meant a CD or equivalent install.  I would like, in the future to order the desktop version. I don't want to risk my current return.  

[retiree]

Most economic way to purchase the CD is from Amazon, Staples, Best Buy, Costco --direct from TTax is definitely NOT the best way to purchase.