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If you used online TurboTax for your 2018 return do NOT mess around with the return or you will make a big mess for yourself. If you change the entries, you will not be able to use it when you want to transfer 2018 in to 2019's new return.
If you used desktop software for 2018 there is a "what if" feature you can use, or you can play around with "new" fake returns all you want to.
You can try the taxcaster tool:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/
One way to do this is to use the 2019 downloaded version NOW to do a "what if" or "test" return ... see the instructions below.
Another way is to use the downloaded 2018 amendment program when it becomes available sometime soon ... you will simply not amend anything .... instead you will download, install and update that program then using the 2018 .taxfile you also download from the online service.
How do I amend my 2018 TurboTax Online return?
This is my mini version of a tutorial that should be in the downloaded program:
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.
If you want to play around with different figures and tax scenarios without affecting your original return you can ….
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:
If you make changes to your original tax return file, repeat these steps to ensure your original and backup copies are in-synch.
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 :
AND protect the files :
Thanks for your kind and useful replies to my question. I believe I would be well-served by simply purchasing the 2019 s/w (which I'll need to do ultimately) and then proceed to estimate my taxes and the impact of a Roth Conversion.
Happy Holidays to you,
Jim
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