Turbotax forms updates

[asurasky]

Why must I install Turbotax forms updates after I have filed my returns?  Is it possible that these changes will change the tax returns that I have already been filed? Why is it so difficult to find out what the form updates are about?  It sends us out to the community where it is virtually impossible to find the answer.

When I have Turbotax Business and Turbotax 2018 on the PC, why does Turbotax Business open when I select my personal return from the desktop?

[tagteam]

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@asurasky wrote:

Why must I install Turbotax forms updates after I have filed my returns?  Is it possible that these changes will change the tax returns that I have already been filed? Why is it so difficult to find out what the form updates are about?  It sends us out to the community where it is virtually impossible to find the answer.

When I have Turbotax Business and Turbotax 2018 on the PC, why does Turbotax Business open when I select my personal return from the desktop?

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You do not have to update after you filed your returns, but it certainly is possible (although not probable in most cases) that your return(s) could change. 

There are a considerable number of updates and most of the information regarding those updates is simply not released by the developers.

TurboTax Business and the personal income tax prep versions share the same extension (.tax2018 for the 2018 tax year). Although the programs can co-exist on the same PC, clicking on the extension (or shortcut to the tax file) will result in that file being opened by either the personal version or Business edition depending upon how the extension is designated to be opened in Windows.

[asurasky]

The software will not open unless I install the updates which contradicts your answer.

It seems to me that you could provide a brief summary of the updates as you have done when using ProSeries.

[tagteam]

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@asurasky wrote:

The software will not open unless I install the updates which contradicts your answer.

It seems to me that you could provide a brief summary of the updates as you have done when using ProSeries.

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I, personally, have no control over the release notes for each update. I happen to agree with you that those release notes should be made available to users.

You can change your updater preferences in the program. Also, you can stop the Intuit update service (temporarily or permanently) in task manager in Windows.

[ezshopr]

Can someone please let the IT department at TurboTax know that those that filed using the CD are being required to update the 2018 program?  We used to be able to say no to updates and now I can't access my old filing records without updating.  I have a 2018 test version that I set up to add/delete income to help me with my 2019 estimates and now I can't access it.   Why was the option to update or not update removed in a 2018 program?  If I update 2018 and something changes in the taxes I already filed for 2018, then when TurboTax imports my 2018 taxes to 2019 things will be off.

You said you can stop the update options in Windows, but I don't know how to do that as when I open TurboTax it tells me to update or cancel out.  How do I do the work around?  September 2019 estimates are due and I can't get into the program.

Thank you!

[frogtownfcwi]

I agree!  Where do we quickly see the update information?  Some are even marked "critical" and still I can not find what the "critical" was all about.  Why has this program become less and less user friendly.   We used Lacerte for years and years.  This Intuit product has many problems and doesn't seem to have had many Intuit $$$$ spent on improvements.  Please give us a quick link to update information!

[aircarl]

Good question - I wish they would answer you.

[Critter-3]

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

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.  Look under ONLINE for UPDATER PREFERENCES ... MAC doesn't have this option. 

 

 

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?

[fanfare]

Always print a copy of your completed tax return for your records, and review it carefully before e-Filing.
You will need it if you are audited by the IRS, or to amend if a TurboTax update changes your return or for any other reason.
AND, to find your AGI next year.