Why is the "Premier" version recommended for investment filers?

[geegecko]

I see the Premier version is recommended for tax filers with investment transactions. What does it provide that the Deluxe version does not?

I had stock and mutual fund transactions last year using Deluxe and had no issues. I used the Desktop version. This year I will have a RMD from a IRA.

The compare versions of TurboTax webpage says "Additional Help" is available under the Premier version. What exactly does this mean?

Thank you.

[fanfare]

It means TurboTax is trying to upsell you.

[Vanessa A]

The Premier version has the additional interview questions for your investments.  The Deluxe in Interview mode does not cover many investment scenarios which would require you to enter your stocks and mutual funds transactions directly in forms mode.  

Your RMD would be covered in Deluxe interview mode.  If you have no investments this year, you would be fine with Deluxe. If you have 

@geegecko Please note:  Using forms mode does invalidate the accuracy guarantee.

(Edited 1/11/2022 @ 8:04AM PST)

(Edited 1/11/2022 @ 8:31AM PST)

[fanfare]

@Vanessa A 

"directly in forms mode.  "

I don't know what this means.

Everyone else says using Forms mode invalidates the TurboTax Accuracy guarantee.

Now you're saying the user of Deluxe is forced to use forms mode.

[Critter-3]

@Vanessa A 

WRONG WRONG WRONG ... get it correct please.

ALL the downloaded versions can handle ALL the same tax forms and situations and although the Premier is "recommended" it is NOT required (as mentioned it is a marketing ploy to upsell you).  The only difference is there are more "help" screens in the Premier if you feel you need the help you can upgrade if you wish ...  but at no time  should you ever make entries in the FORMS mode directly ... doing so voids the accuracy guarantee and keeps you from efiling the return. 

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?
• What is-the-meaning-of-all-the-different-colors-in-forms-mode

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:

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?

*** 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.

[Opus 17]

If using the online version, only Premier or Self-Employed include a schedule D for capital gains and 1099-B for broker accounts.

If using the desktop version, any level deluxe or higher includes all forms and schedules in interview mode.  Direct entry is not required.  What is different is the amount of guidance contained in the interview.  The Premier and H&B versions contain more leading questions and reminders of what income to include, how basis is calculated for gains, and so on.