I have m ore than $11,000 in medical expenses. I checked YES but still unable to enter medical expenses. I am not a happy camper.

[murphey]

Note the field "Prescription Expenses". It is greyed out, not possible to enter any value. Nor is it possible to enter a value in the corresponding field on Schedule A. Every field on all Medical pages is the same - greyed out, unable to enter a value.

[murphey]

Mac OS 13.15.6

DVD version of TurboTax 2020 Deluxe

All medical pages (Easy Step), all medical fields on Schedule A

Unable to enter ANY information in any field either on Easy Step or on Schedule A.

What other data can I provide?

[macuser_22]

That means that there is a supporting information worksheet attached to the data field.

It is handy if you want to keep records of a list of prescriptions and only put the total on the form.

Double click on the box to open it or just select the box and use the Top menu bar -> Edit -> Supporting Information.  (The "command" key and "y" key also opens the box).   Sometimes they get created in error by pressing the wrong key.

You can then either use the worksheet or delete it.

[murphey]

Thank you.

Now I ask why is this information not obvious in the directions in the software? Again, poor software design or rather, poor user interface design.

[macuser_22]

Supporting details have always been in the desktop software.

There are many features and short-cut keys listed  in the top menu bar.

TurboTax does not have a "users manual".

[halbeise]

I have the same problem. I went into view forms and then selected schedule A. For example under prescriptions I had to click the + sign by the box. After I entered what pharmacy name and entered my total prescriptions (luckily) I get them all in one place, I could enter in the total which then fed to line 1 on schedule A. Same for the fees for Dr and dentists. Click on the + sign and the form wants you to fill in the various dr's and amounts. Again then this amount will fill to line 3. I don't recall having to do this in previous years. Hope this helps.  

[halbeise]

Forgot to mention I went to the Medical Expenses worksheet for schedule A

[Critter-3]

The downloaded version has many functions that are hidden ... there really should be a user's guide or tutorial ...

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

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?

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.  Click on ONLINE then Update Preferences.... don't be afraid to click on all the  menu headings to find all the goodies that are hiding. 

[Critter-3]

[SAW15317]

So I am working with the CD version of the Home & Business Turbotax and when I click on the Medical expenses section to update the information I get a blank white page. I had the same thing happen when I needed to enter the Estimated Taxes I paid in 2020. I know from experience that I can switch to the Forms Mode to enter information, but I find it rather odd that my screen is blank white....zip...zilch...nada

When I look in the Forms Mode I see a section about entering prescription medications but I don't see the question about OTC medications that I paid for (these are meds that used to be prescription but now are OTC).  Any suggestions on how the Step by Step questionaire can be accessed? I tried going up to the Edit button to see if I can access it that way and no luck.

[AmyC]

@SAW15317 Of course we don't recommend doing your return in the forms mode but in your case, to jump start the program, you should try this. Once everything is humming along, you can cancel any overrides that you may have made.

1. Go to your schedule A form.
2. You know the actual tax form is just one number that on line 1.
3. Put your mouse on line 1 medical expenses.
4. To break it down, you can right click and data source.
5. Medical Expenses Worksheet  pops up in a secondary window.
6. Click on the words Medical Expenses Worksheet
7. The form will then appear instead of sch A
8. Type in what you want
9. When done, click the sch A tab above your form to view it.

Also, the IRS allows you to deduct COVID related supplies as a medical expense. Your face mask, hand sanitizer, etc See Face masks and other personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are tax deducti...

[murphey]

Why does no one pay attention to the details,  @SAW15317 and mine? Repeatedly, it's been stated that it's not possible to enter data in certain fields/forms. In my case, the entire Medical topic. These are not tax questions, these are issues with the software. Sometime, while version 2020 was in development, someone on the development team made a HUGE &6^%# mistake in the code. And it hasn't been resolved during the many updates to the software.

To @SAW15317 here are a few useful suggestions.

I discovered that my wireless mouse (with USB dongle) was interferring with the Intuit software. Why? Who knows, again, a stupid development decision or mistake. I turned off the wireless mouse (but left the dongle attached) and used a wired USB mouse. All of a sudden, the software works.

There have been numerous complaints about USB devices causing problems with 2020 version (CD). Again, when the underlying problem and real solution (not the easy fix) is discovered, I certainly hope that the QA team makes substantial changes. Such as replacing the entire QA team for not finding the problem sooner.

Another possible fix - in EasyStep, go down to the very bottom, easy to miss, the tiny field across the bottom of the window. Depending on the page, it may say "No form" or it may have "Worksheet" with a tiny arrow. Click on it, should open the Worksheet. If you're lucky, you might be able to enter data. Or not. But it's another possibility.

Major design/development mistake that it's necessary to leave EasyStep and enter data in a form worksheet. Again, the wrong change from 2019 (and previous years).

I'm taking bets that these problems will be resolved for 2021. 

Let me put it this way...I'm on a first-name basis with 2 people in the Office of the President. If I don't get correct and usable solutions in a reasonably short period of time, I escalate, and not in the "Community".

[Oceanisle5]

I am having the same problem, did you ever get a fix for this?

[murphey]

Yes and no. The short-term fix was the ongoing USB problem that's impacting a very strange collection of issues - we think. I had been using a wireless mouse. I turned off the mouse and plugged in a wired USB mouse. Left the USB dongle attached - that didn't seem to cause any issues, only having the mouse turned on.

Whether this was coincidence or not, it solved the immediate problem.

Editorial comment:

As I've documented in a number of postings in this thread, this is a software problem that appeared/was created with the 2020 CD version of TT Deluxe. This issue did not occur in previous years. If Intuit Upper Management pays attention, this will not be a problem for the 2021 version. But who knows? I haven't bothered to look at the TT revenue vs the other Intuit products. If TT doesn't bring a huge chunk of revenue compared to everything else, Intuit may decide that it's not worth the ROI to fix this problem.

[PC cal]

I am having the same problem with medical expenses. What is the fix? I have plenty of memory. previously in the program, I have been able to enter numbers in other parts of the program. I am using a Turbo Tax disc. I did leave the Turbo 2021  program open for several hours and retuned to find the medical data could not be entered. Help Please. 

Cal