Mandatory updates when opening Turbo Tax

[Pac1300]

Two Questions:

1)  I went into my completed/submitted 2021 taxes to play around with some "What if" scenarios such as how would my return change if a certain category was increased or decreased. When I try open my tax file, it will not open unless I update the file first. I don't want anything to change so I don't want to update the file. I even disconnected the internet but the file still would not open. How do I open the file without updating it?

2) What happens if you update your software AFTER I've submitted my taxes to the IRS and the change affects what I have submitted?  If the file is updated when I open it, it may appear that the error was mine and not yours. Does the question make sense? How do I prove that when I used your tax software, the calculations were correct as of the date printed (including all updates up to that point in time)?  I can't be the only one with this concern.

[VolvoGirl]

Are you on Windows or Mac?  Before you open your return make a copy of your .tax2021 file and give it another name.  Like in Windows find the .tax2021 file (it should be in your Documents in a Turbo Tax folder).  Then copy it and give it a name like Test 2022.  Or add FINAL or FILED  to your original return file.  Don't play around in your real return.  

The first thing I do after I install the program is turn off automatic updates so it doesn't update every time I open the program.  Then I update when I want.  To change the Windows program Update Preferences settings go up To Online - Updater Preferences

[Opus 17]

You can bypass the need for the update if you turn off your internet before opening the program.

Generally speaking, program updates should not change your as-filed return.  Sometimes, certain tax forms and items are delayed and are not ready until February or March, but if you are affected by one of those situations, the program should not let you file until the IRS has approved the forms.   Whatever tax situations are included on your return, Turbotax and the IRS will not allow filing until the IRS has indicated final approval for the forms and instructions that cover those situations.  So any changes that happen in the program after you file should not affect your as-filed tax return. 

If a program change does affect your file, that probably means you need to file an amended return.  But Turbotax should know who is affected by late changes, and be able to email affected customers directly. 

To avoid creating changes to your as-filed tax return, save a copy of your data file in a safe place, and do your experimenting on a copy. 

[SteamTrain]

Always...when asking a question of this type...you need to indicate what OS System you are using  Windows or MAC.

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IF you have a MAC, someone with that OS system might be able to give you a lead.

Generally, for myself  (Windows), I have my TTX installed on my desktop for my main file, and also on a laptop, where i can put my file and test it with whatever updates occur, so I can see if my file gets change...before I do an update on my main system.....but again, that's Windows.

Also, for Windows, up in the top menu, I can set my "Updater Preferences" to "Always Ask" or more commonly set to "I don't have an internet connection"  (even though I do), and then I am not forced to update....and can manually force an update when I choose to do so.   And then I can open my file(s) at any time with no forced upgrade.

But that's the Windows software.....not a MAC.

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[supertaxpert007]

These are crazy responses. What if the tax calculation has changed after filing due to a bug in turbotax and the tax amount has changed??? You cannot just stop preventing updates . Intuit needs to address this ASAP and allow customers to file free updated returns if there was a bug in the software that affected the return amounts or taxes due or refundable. 

[Opus 17]

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@supertaxpert007 wrote:

These are crazy responses. What if the tax calculation has changed after filing due to a bug in turbotax and the tax amount has changed??? You cannot just stop preventing updates . Intuit needs to address this ASAP and allow customers to file free updated returns if there was a bug in the software that affected the return amounts or taxes due or refundable. 

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In the past, when there is a program error that causes a tax change, Turbotax directly contacts affected taxpayers by email.  You always owe your own correct tax, but if the program error causes you to owe interest or penalties, the Turbotax guarantee will cover that.