topic Re: Start CD/Download version without updating in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Start CD/Download version without updating

Hornman — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:58:42 GMT

I used Premier CD/download version to prepare and file my 2021 return. I want to make a duplicate file (save as) of the return within Turbotax so I can review/revise my estimated taxes during 2022, but I can't get into the program without doing a program update. I do not want to update for fear of changing something in my already-filed 2021 return. What can I do?

Re: Start CD/Download version without updating

HeatherPLO — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 02:02:55 GMT

If you have already filed their return, the program update won't change the return of what was sent.

One suggestion: You could open your file manager and save a copy of your tax file (with extension .tax) onto an external drive so you know it won't get changed.

Re: Start CD/Download version without updating

Hornman — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:44:48 GMT

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate that you are an employee and would know more about the program than others. However there are a couple of posts on here that are adamant that the program should not be updated after you file your return because you run the chance of changing something on the return that was filed. I can see this happening for example if an update is done that has a revised form. When the return is opened again after the update, it would no longer have the form that was originally filed.

Re: Start CD/Download version without updating

SteamTrain — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 21:28:44 GMT

@Hornman

If you are using the "Windows" software....

Once you startup your software, you can go to the top of the opening main screen and

1) Click on the "Online" menu item to get its' dropdown.

2) Select "Updater Preferences"

3) Select "I don't have an internet connection..."

That turns off all future update attempts....but you can always force an update from the same menu dropdown anytime you want by selecting "Check for Updates" (Not sure if MAC people can do that though)

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Myself, I have the Desktop software installed on two computers. Desktop& laptop. I keep a second copy of my submitted tax file on my laptop, and update that laptop software every week....and check the second copy of my tax file there....if there are no changes to my refund/taxes owed on my laptop, I know I can update my Desktop without changing my original tax file. But if my tax file on the laptop ever changes after an update, I won't update my Desktop thereafter. Last year, I didn't have to do that, but I filed well into March after most bugs had been fixed.

Re: Start CD/Download version without updating

Hornman — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:33:26 GMT

Thank you for your response but it does not apply to me. I have the desktop version and the only way to get into the program is to update. It seems like the update was optional several years ago.

Re: Start CD/Download version without updating

SteamTrain — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:57:58 GMT

@Hornman

Yes, getting into the program initially you may have to update, and I see no way around that....but on a Windows system, once you are in you can turn off all future updates in the way I've already indicated...then in future startups, there will be no forced updates unless you ask for one.

IF you remember that for future years, i.e. turning off automatic updates after the first one, then you will have control over when it is done.