I don't want to answer questions, I want to enter data directly into the 1040 tax form

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You do not have direct access to the forms with online TurboTax.   Forms mode is a feature of the desktop download.   And...even with desktop, entering all of your data via forms mode voids the accuracy guarantee.

[VolvoGirl]

If you want to enter on the forms why use Turbo Tax?   If you have a simple return you can file for free by getting the forms from the IRS.   

Current year 1040

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

[jkrozar]

Hi. Thank you for responding.

I do not have a simple return.  I need 3 Schedule C's and we have some income from another state.  

The forms could potentially be helpful if they were "fillable" PDFs to accept input, with built-in formulas.  

I primarily need forms so I can fill in the data for my tax preparer to review.

To that end, I found this:

https://sites.google.com/view/incometaxspreadsheet/home/download?authuser=0

-- Interactive Excel workbook;  it's limited to Federal so it's of limited use.

I will continue searching.  I appreciate your willingness to help.

-- Julie 

[jkrozar]

Hi. Thank you for responding.

I am using a desktop so would be able to use "Forms mode".  Just searched for it and will try that feature. 

I appreciate your willingness to help.

-- Julie 

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can directly enter into the Forms using the Desktop program.  But if you make any overrides you won't be able to efile.  You can efile if you just make normal entries into the Forms without overriding a prefilled or calculated amount.    

[VA072]

I have a similar problem. While preparing my 2024 return, I wanted to use the data from a hard copy of my 2023 return to import it into 2024. I have copies of 2023 and 2024 TurboTax desktop installed. Having only a hard copy of my previously filed 2023 return, it would be very difficult to progress through the TurboTax interview in order to enter the data. I would rather simply open the forms and transpose the data from the hard copy into TurboTax forms. I have found that the fields in the TurboTax 1040 form are either inactive or blued and will not accept data entry. Double clicking on a field takes you to the worksheet view. Attempting to enter data into that worksheet will open another worksheet. The override option is not available for any forms. Is there no way to simple open TurboTax desktop and enter data directly into the fields of a specific IRS form?

[Mike9241]

if you used desktop Turbotax in 2023 what happened to that xxx.tax2023 file? If you used online for 2023 you can upload the file to your desktop.  a PDF of your 2023 return is virtually useless. Very little data can be transferred. if you used a desktop version and deleted the file note that Turbotax creates a copy that starts with a ~ usually in the same folder that contained the tax file. You can delete the tilde, then it will be usable for transfer. if you have the file you can transfer (not import) the data that's in the 2023 file.  open Turbotax. click on "start a new return". Turbotax will look for the 2023 file. if it finds it click on "transfer return". 

With desktop, you have to be in "forms" mode (selected from the view tab) to enter the data into the worksheets.  if you see red or pink you've done something wrong or haven't entered all the necessary data. 

Direct entry into the schedules (like Schedule B) and forms is an override that will prevent e-filing and void the accuracy guarantee.

the other mode "step-by-step" is the interview mode where you are asked all those questions.