Updating prior year entries so they match what you see in later years

[skycamper]

Hello, 

I'm in the unfortunate circumstance of working on e-filing my 2021 taxes but did not finish and submit my 2020 taxes.   Since I'm partially done with 2020 there are entries in there that 2021 tries to give me a comparison of my entries as I go along.   But those 2020 numbers are not accurate.   How can I make TT 2021 update those number as I change and work through 2020?   Is it automatic?  how does 2021 know when 2020 is changing?   I've not submitted either yet but would like to e-file 2021 before the deadline. Then paper file 2020.     

Thank you!

[xmasbaby0]

If you did not complete your 2020 return why are you using that incomplete return's data for your 2021 return?  You should complete the 2020 return first if you want to transfer 2020 to 2021.  Otherwise you are just creating a mess.

The only way to complete 2020 now is by using the CD/download software on a full PC or Mac, and then the 2020 return has to be mailed.

Online tax preparation and e-filing for 2020 returns is now permanently closed.  Now it is too late to use online software or to e-file. If you have any changes/corrections at all to make to your 2020 return, you now have to complete it using desktop software, which you must download to a full PC or Mac  (not to a mobile device).Then you need to print, sign and mail it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2559403-how-do-i-finish-a-prior-year-return-that-i-started-in-turb...

If you already paid for your online software you can ask customer support for a download of the desktop software.

They are available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number

If you are getting a refund, there is no penalty for filing late.  If you owe tax due, then file and pay the amount due as shown on the Form 1040, but expect a bill later from the IRS for the penalty and interest you will owe.  Only the IRS will calculate this—TurboTax will not calculate it.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry you can't update them.  The 2020 return only transfers in when you start a new blank 2021 return so you would have to start  over to do that.   Some items you can update like carryovers.  What do you want to change?  They might not affect your 2021 return.    Nothing you do in 2020 will update 2021 unless you start a new 2021 return and  Transfer again.  

[skycamper]

Im using downloaded laptop versions of TT H&B   , I dont owe anything for either year so I guess Im just annoyed when TT shows me what I claimed in 2020 as a comparison for what im doing for 2021.   I dont have much carry over except for rental properties where appliances and improvements may not be exactly depreciated correctly.   I dont know.    Im not sure at this point and I cant start over since I want to e-file 2021 while I still can.    I guess when I do 2022 at least my 2021 numbers will be more accurate.