Can I use Turbotax to create a hypothetical return, trying out different kinds/types of income?

[jpmmartin]

I would be using the desktop version.

[mesquitebean]

OK, I left you an answer below while you were responding.  I'll give you some more info below it.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

Are you asking in regards to Online TurboTax or the desktop version?

If Online, whatever you do, do NOT experiment in the same account in which you filed your 2018 return.  It will overwrite other entries, and it saves after each screen.  So that would mess up your original return.

The desktop version has a "What IF" worksheet for experimenting with situations using your 2018 return as a starting point  without affecting the original return.  Plus one can begin as many returns as desired for experimenting.   So when I experiment, I make a new copy of the 2018 data file (just in case) and don't use the original file for experimenting.

[mesquitebean]

You responded that you are using the desktop version.

As I said above, it's probably a good idea to make a copy of your *.tax2018 data file and use it for the experimenting.   Be sure you name that copy something completely different, so it doesn't overwrite your original return.   For instance "testreturn.tax2018" or something.    You could make a backup copy of your original return on backup media, external storage, etc.

When you open the new copy of the 2018 return, if you want to use the "What If" worksheet, go into Forms Mode.  Then above the list of forms in the left column there is a forms search tool called OPEN FORM.  Click that and enter the word "what" without quotes, or "what-if" without quotes but with the hyphen.  Then select the worksheet.

Or if you made a separate test copy of the data file to experiment with, you can actually experiment in the interview mode as well.

[jpmmartin]

Thanks so much.

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome.   Good luck.

[vtvelo]

Re: Can I use Turbotax to create a hypothetical return, trying out different kinds/types of income? But not losing the original.  

[Cynthiad66]

@vtvelo - No/Yes You can use TurboTax to try different scenarios however the system updates with every change.  You will just have to remember the scenario and remember to delete it.  

I suggest creating another account with a different email to play around.  You can just delete the account when you are done.  You don't pay until you are ready to file.