How can I tell if the numbers on past returns were manually entered or programmatically pulled form a financial institution?

[mvqkelly]

I am being audited and the IRS shows numbers that match my 2018 TD Ameritrade 1099 (as it exists now), but my Turbo Tax return shows different numbers. Can I see the 1099 that was given to Turbo Tax when I filed my return?

[xmasbaby0]

TurboTax does not have images of your 1099's.  Only the data that was entered will be shown in the worksheets that are part of the pdf with your tax return.  When you import a 1099, you still need to check it against the hard copy to make sure it is accurate.  And you should always save the copies of your 1099's for your own records even if you imported the data in to your tax return.  You can request copies of your 1099's or perhaps just download them from the web site of the financial institution that issued them originally.

[Critter-3]

When using the ONLINE version you really need to save a PDF of the filed return for safe keeping.  If you go back into the account after filing and make any changes then you also change the archived copy.

Now you may be able to us the amendment process to download the .taxfile and the program to see that information ...   https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-s-the-meaning-of-all-the-different-colors...

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:

• 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: 
• 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

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?

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?

[mvqkelly]

I am trying to determine the source of the data on my tax return.

When I fill out a return I can either manually enter information, or allow financial institutions to upload the data. Now 2 years later, can I tell how the data was entered into my tax return? Did I really change a number from 1414.00 to 809.00, or was the number incorrectly entered from an electronic upload?
I think I would be looking for metadata about the entry source. Is such information available?

[Critter-3]

It is most likely that the broker put out a corrected statement which changed the amounts the IRS has as opposed to you making an entry after filing.   

Did they send a CP2000 ?    If so they should show 2 columns ... what you reported and what was reported by others.  Seek assistance as mentioned before since IRS notices can be confusing.  Start by looking at one piece and see if you can figure it out ... it will be the key to the rest of the items.