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amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

I have to practically go through everything I had inputted before and click DONE before the software tallies all the numbers in that section.  The Fed/CA tax refunds at first look right on top but as soon as I click on continue (i.e. amending) both turn into zeros!
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11 Replies

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Not sure why "everything" needs to reworked however if the return was not finished many places may need to be revisited especially if you "flagged" them. 

 

And when you click on "amend" the Refund-O-Meter should reset to zero ... don't give that tool too much power ... it is only correct on an original return and only at the end ... it is the most useless/confusing thing in the program and needs to be removed. 

amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Not true.  The refund-o-meter will need to start at how it looked when we had filed our return and then get adjusted as you make changes (amend).  In my case my tax return was completed and filed.  Also I had nothing flagged.  I actually find the desktop version (amending) extremely useful as it let's taxpayers go back and modify things to see how next year's income can affect taxes owed.  Sure it would not be 100% accurate numbers since tax rate/laws may be slightly different but it is a perfect tool for getting a good estimate.  It can also let one see whether selling a property or taking a new job/salary really makes financial sense. 

Every year I have used the amend/desktop software after completing and filing my taxes using the online TurboTax and never have I seen this issue.  For 2019 they'd had issues with their programing.  I say that because up until a month ago the .tax2019 file was actually corrupt!!!

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Ok ...  now you are talking about systemic issues and before you transferred the 2019 info to the downloaded version you should have checked online first for the changes.  In the downloaded version you have the option to turn off the updates after you have filed but not so with the online version. So what you downloaded was not what you filed but what was updated and this is a problem for you.  Not sure what the changes were since you filed ... those you will need to figure out yourself ... hopefully you saved a PDF of the return as filed so you can look and compare them. 

 

Now ... why do you use the ONLINE version and then  download the "amendment" program after the fact ?  The 2019 amendment program is not even available yet ... will not be until November at best.  To complete an amendment  using the current 2019 online program it must be done online. 

 

May I suggest you start and finish with the downloaded version and skip the switchover ... as you can see it has unintended consequenses.   If you shop around you can get a cheaper price outside of TT just stick with the well know resellers ... remember if the price is too good to be true then it probably is pirated or has malware in it.   All you ever need is the Deluxe version (Basic if you do not need a state return). 

 

This is my mini version of  a tutorial  that should be in the downloaded program: 

 

Always remember to shut off the auto update function once you have filed your returns and do not do any updates unless you have safeguarded the PDF & .taxfiles to a removable storage unit for safekeeping.

 

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

 

 

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:                             

 

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 :

 

amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

2019 amendment program has been available for some time now.
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/amend
If you fail to update the program then any bugs they've addressed will not be fixed.  As for why go from Online to Desktop: Because you can mess around all you want and then delete.  It works great (well as long as TT can get its act together with its 2019 desktop/amend software).

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Ok ... the amendment program is out early this year ... in the past it has not come out until after the end of the efiling season.  Thanks for letting me know ... however I still say you really should start with and only use the downloaded version in the future.   You spent more than $240 for the online SE LIVE version when you could have had the downloaded deluxe for much less ... seems like a waste of money and effort. 

amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Boxed desktop TurboTax does not do what online does.  Online is more extensive for self-employed stuff

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

The CD/Download Desktop program is the same as the Online versions.  And all the Desktop programs have the same forms so you can use a lower version like Deluxe.  The Home & Business program is the same or better than the Online Self Employed version.  What do you find better in the online version?  And the Desktop programs have more features and advantages over the online version. 

 

And Amended returns are suppose to reset to zero when you start.  Then the meter changes as you make the changes, see step 4

  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/amending/help/how-do-i-amend-my-turbotax-online-return/00/27577

 

 

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Ok after reading all the posts more thoroughly.  Why aren't you buying the Desktop program to start with?  The Desktop program can do unlimited returns so you can copy your return to test for next year.  And it has a What-If Worksheet.  And lets you see all the forms and enter directly on them.  And it might be cheaper than using the Online version.  You get a free state program download in Deluxe and higher.   And as I said above all the Desktop programs have the same forms so you could just buy Deluxe.   

amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Are you given the option to get year long CPA support with the boxed/CD versions?  Do you get to have a CPA see your screen if you have issues or questions as you are completing your returns?  What kind of guarantees against penalties, etc can you purchase with the CD version?

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Ok ... so you know what you are doing by buying the LIVE online option... but if you are relying on a CPA so heavily you can get a local tax pro for about the same price or less who can offer you much more in the personal service arena.  And I do believe that you don't always talk to the same person every time  you call so many things could be missed by many people handling the same return. 

 

As for the guarantees ... they are the same in both versions.  They only cover program errors for penalties and interest on the first IRS notice.   Read all about them :  https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/live/

amirkhoyi
Returning Member

How come when I download my 2019 tax file & open it using the desktop software (downloaded from your site) all data needs to be re-confirmed/re-worked to get final #s?

Don't underestimate their program errors!  I actually had that happen and they had it handled by their gurantee program.  As for hiring a local CPA at a lower cost... I don't think you've done that otherwise you would not have said that.   🙂

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