How do I start and work on two returns simultaneously using the dowloaded desktop Turbo Tax?

[dbh21]

I need to do my tax return twice (only file one of them).  One return with a 1099 included and home business deductions and another return without the 1099 income and home business deductions to see the difference in my tax liability.  How do I work on both returns simultaneously using the downloaded desktop version of Turbo Tax Home & Business?

[DoninGA]

Cannot be done with the desktop editions.  Only one tax return can be accessed at a time.  You can work on one return, save the file, open and work on the second return.

[VolvoGirl]

After you do the first return you can save it with another name, then change it around to test.  Go to FILE - SAVE AS

[dbh21]

Ok, so I can start two returns, but can only load and work on one at a time.  Is that correct?

If so, do I simply start one return, save it, and then go up to the file menu and select New Return to start the other one.  From then on I can work on both, but only one can be loaded at a time.  please confirm if I  have this correct.  Thank you!

[VolvoGirl]

Yes!  Then after you start a return it will be listed at the bottom of the FILE menu to switch between them.    Or go to FILE - OPEN.  You'll see.

[dbh21]

Fantastic.  Thanks to all of the quick responses for my question.  It was very helpful and I can get started now!!!

[SteamTrain]

@dbh21 

Make sure you use "SaveAs" just the the first time you save each one to give each a unique name .  The initial default name that the software tends to give a new file may be the exact same name, and you may accidentally overwrite one if you don't notice.

[Critter]

This is my mini version of the downloaded 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: 
•  Open your return in TurboTax. 
•  From the File menu, choose Save As. 
•  Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name). 
• 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?
• 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?
• How can I protect the tax files on my computer?

GEN85508

Answered by TurboTax FAQ to this question

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?