I'm strictly using 2017 Turbo Tax (TT) for Home & Business to check my CPA and to learn TT for preparing 2018 taxes. Should I do anything differently using TT this year?

[jbarden--1]

I had to change Tax Preparers this year because last year's Tax Preparer retired, but I thought at the same time I would learn how to use Turbo Tax this year to check my new CPA that I just hired and to possible use Turbo Tax next year. So my question is, since I'm only using 2017 Turbo Tax to check the performance of my new CPA and for learning Turbo Tax software for maybe use next year, should I do anything differently when using Turbo Tax this year?

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

Good idea!  You do not need to do anything differently.  Just create a return and go through the interview, entering the requested information, so you get a feel for the program and how TurboTax walks you through the process.

If you wish to view the actual forms at any time you can go into Forms Mode:

1. Go into Forms Mode by clicking on the Forms icon in the top right of the blue bar.  
2. In the Forms in My Return list on the left, double-click on the form you wish to open.  
3. If you want to view a form that doesn't appear in the list, click on the Open Form icon at the top of the list (it may take a minute to open) and search for the desired form.
4. To return to the interview, click on the Step-By-Step icon in the top right of the blue bar.

While you are in Forms Mode, you might want to checkout the What-If worksheet.  This allows you to see the tax implications of different scenarios, for example: changing your filing status, stock sale (capital gains), IRA contributions, etc.  To access the What-if worksheet, follow step 3, above.  Remember to hyphenate "What-if."

[Edited | 3/19/2020 |  11:48 am PDT]