The updates will automatically change the return which is why when you have already filed you need to shut off the automatic update function.
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 :
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.
So can you tell me how to turn off the automatic update feature in TT Deluxe download?? Thanks
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.
I am using TT 2020 Mac Deluxe Download. There is no "file" button and there is no "updater preferences" window. I wish there was! But there doesn't seem to be any way to turn off auto updates. Every time I open TT and there is an update, I run the risk that my previously filed returns are going to change.
On a MAC there is no turn off option ... so you must shut off the internet access when opening the program after you have filed so the program cannot update.
I believe you are right about the Mac and that there is no way to prevent TT from auto updating the app each time it is opened. The more I think about it the more sense it makes to never turn off the auto update feature since in the end the best version of the software will be the most updated version -- i.e. it will produce the most accurate version of any tax return. So let it update every time the app is launched. The best solution to maintaining a copy of a tax return that is identical to the one filed with the IRS is to save a copy of the return as a .pdf which can never be changed by future auto-updated versions of TT. If the IRS questions the tax return, say six months after filing, you will have the .pdf which is identical to the return that was filed and you will also have a .tax version updated with the most recently auto updated TT app. And remember, over that six month period the software used by the IRS has probably changed too, which obviates the idea that turning off the auto update feature would have ever helped in the first place.
So in the end, keeping a .pdf copy and also allowing TT to auto update is probably the best solution.
Hi, I file 5 family returns with Turbotax Deluxe (desktop). If I file one return and then file the next one a month later, could Turbotax updates change the first return's tax file? Is there a way to lock returns as there is in Lacerte? Or would I have to actually open and/or save the return again for an update to change it? I do save PDF's, but it would be nice to be able to make sure the tax file of the returns remain unchanged once they are filed.
Thanks
Once you submit your return to the IRS, that is the way it locks. The only time your return will change, is if you submit an amended return if needed.
Mviking, I'm pretty certain that if you opened either tax return the tax return would update immediately. Not the best situation, I agree. But if you filed 5 separate tax returns a week apart and you didn't want them to auto-update how could you ever work with them again?? You would need to have 5 different frozen versions of TT. Could get very messy.
Once you file the return do NOT open it so there is no way for it to be updated/changed. Changes can only be applied when you OPEN a return. Keeping copies of the PDF and .taxfiles on a removable storage medium is the only way to preserve the original return from loss or change.
But what good is a tax return that you can never open again for fear of it being auto-updated? Sure you can store the .tax file on say a thumb drive, but how do you get that exact version of the TT app stored on the same drive? And even if you can do that, better make sure that if you ever open the TT app/.tax file your device is not connected to the internet!
I tried updating but received a message to enter my autoupdate code. What's this? I don't remember being ask to enter a code when I first installed and updated the software
See this TurboTax support FAQ on how to contact Support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991
@rbossart I assume you are using the Desktop program? Are you on Windows or Mac? Does it want you to activate the program with the 16 digit License Code? You had to enter that when you first installed it and it sometimes asks for it again. I never heard of an autoupdate code. Can you post a screen shot?
Are you referring to the program asking for your license code again?
If not, would you mind providing a screenshot of the message? Please be sure to black out any personal information before posting the screenshot as Community is a public forum. Please feel free to add additional details that may help us determine what is causing this type of message.
Im using an iMac with turbo tax deluxe. when I try to open an existing turbo tax file it wants to update. when I OK it extracts, and asks if I want to install and restart. then I get a window stating that autoupdate wants to make changes and asks for a password to allow this. Id enclose a screen shot (which I have) but can't figure out how to attach it to this message - copy and paste doesn't work here.
yes, I'm using an iMac. I've tried inputing the license code and even my Apple ID but that doesn't work. it does show a "installing" bar running but it never installs. if I cancel, turbo tax shuts down too.
Oh I think autoupdate is for your Mac. You probably need to put in your Mac apple password.
@rbossart wrote:
yes, I'm using an iMac. I've tried inputing the license code and even my Apple ID but that doesn't work. it does show a "installing" bar running but it never installs. if I cancel, turbo tax shuts down too.
Corruption could have occurred in the Application or in an associated preference or support file.
The best remedy is to totally uninstall TurboTax and all associate files and then re-install with a fresh download.
To uninstall the application and all associated files need to be deleted and then the application reinstalled. If there was a state then the state must also be reinstalled.
To remove TurboTax from your computer, you'll need administrative rights.
Here is a FAQ for how to uninstall Mac
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901210-remove-uninstall-turbotax-for-mac
I tried that and every password I could remember. No luck.
Did you ever get this resolved as I see it was in February 2022. I’m experiencing same problem with Autoupdate not accepting my PW.
TT support said I needed Big Sur version OS or later. My Mac has most current 13.1 version.
please advise what fixed your problem last year. Thanks!
Are you referring to an auto-update on your Mac or TurboTax? Please let us know so we can further assist you.
You may also contact Customer Support if you would like to speak with someone who can assist you.