FYI ...when using the downloaded program ALL of the versions handle ALL the same forms and situations so you never have to use more than Deluxe (Basic if you don't need a state return). Upgrading to a higher version only gets you some extra help screens and guidance if you think you need it ... so start cheap and only upgrade if you really feel the need to do so.
This is my mini version of a 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:
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:
- 1. Open your return in TurboTax.
- 2. From the File menu, choose Save As.
- 3. Give the copy a new name to distinguish it from the original (for example, by adding "Test" or "Example" to the file name).
- 4. 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
Once you have filed successfully … you can shut off the auto updater function and then save the return & .taxfile.
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:
- From the File menu in the upper-left corner of TurboTax, choose Save As (Windows) or Save (Mac).
- 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.
- 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)
- Click Save and then close TurboTax.
- 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:
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 :
*** Other clues to the downloaded program ***
In the forms mode ... double click or right click on a box on a form to data source it ... sadly it doesn't work on all boxes.
What's the meaning of all the different colors in Forms Mode?
When you look at an onscreen tax form using Forms Mode, you might wonder why one figure is blue and the one next to it is red or black.
These colors indicate the source of that data.
Color | Meaning |
Blue | You entered this data, either in the interview or Forms Mode. |
Black | The program entered this data or calculated this amount. |
Red | This data has either been overridden or is invalid (for example, a ZIP code that doesn't exist). |
Red italics | You marked this amount as estimated. |
Black italics | The program calculated this amount from an amount you marked as estimated. |
Purple | This information has supporting details. |
Aquamarine | This data was transferred over from last year. |
Green | This data was imported from Quicken or QuickBooks. |
Yellow fields (Windows) | Yellow fields allow user input. Anything you enter here shows up in blue. |
