TurboTax: how access forms?

[John Polasek]

My 2010 TurboTax deluxe is driving me nuts with all its helpful
guidance.
But I cannot find out how to access the forms directly which is the
way I usually work without all their busybody interference. When I
sent them a message about this they just thanked me for my
information.

Another problem: I have to enter 3 1099 rentals and it even shows up
with the first one with a name already filled out. You have to go to a
worksheet, in order to fill out just one number, but there's room for
six or so. After I fill out one there is no indication how to get
another form to fill even though they say to fill them one at a time.

I will thank them though for retaining the hotkey, control T, to show
the tax.
I would be thankful for any advice.
John Polasek

 

[Jerry Boyle]

My 2010 TurboTax deluxe is driving me nuts with all its helpful
guidance.
But I cannot find out how to access the forms directly which is the
way I usually work without all their busybody interference. When I
sent them a message about this they just thanked me for my
information.

You've probably found it by now, but in case you haven't:

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want from the
list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center when done.

 

[Jerry Boyle]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]

 

[John Polasek]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]

Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

 

[Jerry Boyle]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]

Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form, double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that entry. For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line 9a.

Jerry

 

[John Polasek]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]

Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form, double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that entry. For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line 9a.

Jerry

Thank you for your interest and helpful advice.
This 2010 deluxe version has annoying features, such as upon opening
up this morning it presents a page size interview form to be filled
out, apparently ignorant of the fact that I have the return partly
done already, and on several occasions it wants to know if I want to
spend $30 more for a really good program.
Thank you.

 

[Sharx335]

I'll say this as kindly as I can! PROFESSIONAL software costs a
minimum of $500 and up to several thousands of dollars. It's
obvious that many people who appear in this newsgroup should turn
over their tax prep to PROFESSIONALS. They wouldn't attempt to fill
their dental cavities themselves, would they? Or remove a plantar
wart themselves? So, why do so many think that with or without
cheap software that they can properly prepare their federal/state
income tax returns? Just sayin'!!

On Sat, 16 Apr 2011 18:45:09 -0400, "Jerry Boyle"
<[email protected]>
wrote:


Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form
you want from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom
center when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in
the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]
Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the
forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not
let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response
couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form,
double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number
because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that
entry. For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't
change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or
remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line
9a.

Jerry

Thank you for your interest and helpful advice.
This 2010 deluxe version has annoying features, such as upon
opening
up this morning it presents a page size interview form to be
filled
out, apparently ignorant of the fact that I have the return
partly
done already, and on several occasions it wants to know if I want
to
spend $30 more for a really good program.
Thank you.

 

[Jim H]

I'll say this as kindly as I can! PROFESSIONAL software costs a minimum
of $500 and up to several thousands of dollars. It's obvious that many
people who appear in this newsgroup should turn over their tax prep to
PROFESSIONALS. They wouldn't attempt to fill their dental cavities
themselves, would they? Or remove a plantar wart themselves? So, why do
so many think that with or without cheap software that they can properly
prepare their federal/state income tax returns? Just sayin'!!

I've never done my own dental work, and I don't have the knowledge,
skill, or equipment. I've been doing my own taxes since I was 17. It
just isn't hard... Follow the instructions, or use some nice software
like Turbo Tax that prompts you with the appropriate questions.

I did use a professional one time to do my taxes. He charged $500.00,
and he screwed it up. I would rather have a few more fillings than do
that again.

 

[Sharx335]

I've never done my own dental work, and I don't have the
knowledge, skill, or equipment. I've been doing my own taxes
since I was 17. It just isn't hard... Follow the instructions, or
use some nice software like Turbo Tax that prompts you with the
appropriate questions.

I did use a professional one time to do my taxes. He charged
$500.00, and he screwed it up. I would rather have a few more
fillings than do that again.

Betcha a number of people in this newsgroup could find errors of
omission or commission in your last 3 returns, Jim.
Seems that a LOT of people, especially males, think that THEY are
the world's best dancers, lovers, drivers, AND tax preparers. <vbg>

 

[Homer.Simpson]

Jim H said

I've never done my own dental work, and I don't have the knowledge,
skill, or equipment. I've been doing my own taxes since I was 17. It
just isn't hard... Follow the instructions, or use some nice software
like Turbo Tax that prompts you with the appropriate questions.

I did use a professional one time to do my taxes. He charged $500.00,
and he screwed it up. I would rather have a few more fillings than do
that again.

Agreed. I had my taxes done by a professional once. It was the only time
I ever had to amend my return - reason: Preparation Error.

 

[ps56k]

My 2010 TurboTax deluxe is driving me nuts with all its helpful
guidance.
But I cannot find out how to access the forms directly which is the
way I usually work without all their busybody interference. When I
sent them a message about this they just thanked me for my
information.

Another problem: I have to enter 3 1099 rentals and it even shows up
with the first one with a name already filled out. You have to go to a
worksheet, in order to fill out just one number, but there's room for
six or so. After I fill out one there is no indication how to get
another form to fill even though they say to fill them one at a time.

I will thank them though for retaining the hotkey, control T, to show
the tax.
I would be thankful for any advice.
John Polasek

You appear to be new to TurboTax
and using the basic menus located at the top of the screen.

 

[ps56k]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want
from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center
when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]
Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form, double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that entry. For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line 9a.

Jerry

Thank you for your interest and helpful advice.
This 2010 deluxe version has annoying features, such as upon opening
up this morning it presents a page size interview form to be filled
out, apparently ignorant of the fact that I have the return partly
done already, and on several occasions it wants to know if I want to
spend $30 more for a really good program.
Thank you.

It only prompts the Interview Screens if you bypassed the very beginning
question
about how you wanted to process the info - Interview vs Fill In The Forms -
At the very end - it will run thru all the data fields and make sure they
are completed,
if not - it will let you know where and what to fix.

Beating it with a hammer doesn't make it work any better...
It's just a computer program with logic flows from one field to another...

 

[John Polasek]

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want
from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center
when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]
Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form, double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that entry. For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line 9a.

Jerry

Thank you for your interest and helpful advice.
This 2010 deluxe version has annoying features, such as upon opening
up this morning it presents a page size interview form to be filled
out, apparently ignorant of the fact that I have the return partly
done already, and on several occasions it wants to know if I want to
spend $30 more for a really good program.
Thank you.

It only prompts the Interview Screens if you bypassed the very beginning
question
about how you wanted to process the info - Interview vs Fill In The Forms -
At the very end - it will run thru all the data fields and make sure they
are completed,
if not - it will let you know where and what to fix.

Beating it with a hammer doesn't make it work any better...
It's just a computer program with logic flows from one field to another...

TT could use some fixing. Opening up it invites you to "Tell us about
TurboTax", "where did you buy it".
Pressing "continue" brought up a schedule E form. I have never seen it
ask whether I want to use their interview method or forms. I just
checked again, the return having been completed, and on exiting they
ask the treacherous question:
Do you want to save this file?
I think they should be asking whether I want to save the (possible)
changes in this file. I answered no, but with qualms, because I
definitely want to save the file but I don't want to re-save the file.
Incidentally, I was able (with trepidation) to enter the charity total
by using the right click override option and mailed in about four
sheets of Quicken charity listing.
I have used TurboTax for years but when they change the tabs and the
style it takes getting used to-I don't think there are any more
hotkeys.
The "help" should contain some kind of navigation advice-instead it's
pretty worthless.
JP

 

[Richard]

John,

I've been following this thread with interest. I have concluded a number of
things.

1. If you did not "save the file" when finished, the input you made since
the last save is gone. I cannot understand why you chose NOT to save or why
you say that "I
definitely want to save the file but I don't want to re-save the file." Why
would you not want to "re-save" after making changes or inputting new data?

2. Your first post is dated 04/16/2011. Even if I owe the government money,
I don't wait until the last minute to prepare the return. You just never
know what may arise, i.e. missing documents, computer problems, family
situations etc. I always prepare my return early and if I have a refund, I
file immediately via e-file. If I owe money, I file as late as feasible.
Prior to TT including e-file in the price, I would print my return and file
via "snail mail, if I owed more tax.

3. I too have used TT for many years, going back to 1994. Even though I'm a
retired accountant, I always use the interview process rather than direct
form input. This at least gives me assurance, that I've covered everything.
It may take more time, but I like the comfort level. If I make an input
error, I can always go back to that point in the interview process and make
the correction. At that point, I continue on or skip forward in the
interview process where I was previously.

4. "Patience is a virtue" I monitor this newsgroup daily. My recollection
is that you are the first poster to complain about the flow of TT. My
experience is that if you go "with the flow", it is pretty intuitive. Sorry,
but I have to agree with PS56K, "Beating it with a hammer doesn't make it
work any better... It's just a computer program with logic flows from one
field to another..."
--
Richard

Select View -> Forms (or enter Ctrl+2) then click the form you want
from
the list in the right-hand pane. Click Close Form at bottom center
when
done.

Oops!, it's the left-hand pane; the selected form appears in the
right-hand
pane. [Dyslexia strikes again!]
Thank you, Jerry! You're a lifesaver! I was even getting to the forums
using their cutesy menu and after all the grilling it would not let me
enter any numbers. This is just like old times.
John

Just to make sure you understand [because my prior response couldn't
possibly have helped on this issue]:

General Rule: If you can't change a number on a form, double-click it.

There are some form entries where you can't enter a number because the
number comes from a worksheet or another form. In these cases you
double-click on the number to get to the form that affects that entry.
For
example double-clicking on line 9a of Form 1040 (which you can't change
directly) takes you to Schedule B where you can add, change or remove
numbers that then automatically change the number on 1040 line 9a.

Jerry
Thank you for your interest and helpful advice.
This 2010 deluxe version has annoying features, such as upon opening
up this morning it presents a page size interview form to be filled
out, apparently ignorant of the fact that I have the return partly
done already, and on several occasions it wants to know if I want to
spend $30 more for a really good program.
Thank you.

It only prompts the Interview Screens if you bypassed the very beginning
question
about how you wanted to process the info - Interview vs Fill In The
Forms -
At the very end - it will run thru all the data fields and make sure they
are completed,
if not - it will let you know where and what to fix.

Beating it with a hammer doesn't make it work any better...
It's just a computer program with logic flows from one field to another...

TT could use some fixing. Opening up it invites you to "Tell us about
TurboTax", "where did you buy it".
Pressing "continue" brought up a schedule E form. I have never seen it
ask whether I want to use their interview method or forms. I just
checked again, the return having been completed, and on exiting they
ask the treacherous question:
Do you want to save this file?
I think they should be asking whether I want to save the (possible)
changes in this file. I answered no, but with qualms, because I
definitely want to save the file but I don't want to re-save the file.
Incidentally, I was able (with trepidation) to enter the charity total
by using the right click override option and mailed in about four
sheets of Quicken charity listing.
I have used TurboTax for years but when they change the tabs and the
style it takes getting used to-I don't think there are any more
hotkeys.
The "help" should contain some kind of navigation advice-instead it's
pretty worthless.
JP

 

[John Polasek]

John,

I've been following this thread with interest. I have concluded a number of
things.

1. If you did not "save the file" when finished, the input you made since
the last save is gone. I cannot understand why you chose NOT to save or why
you say that "I
definitely want to save the file but I don't want to re-save the file." Why
would you not want to "re-save" after making changes or inputting new data?

I should have stated that I just opened the file to be sure about what
I was saying in complaining about the file opening. I made no changes,
yet I find it disconcerting to have to decide whether to save it or
not. It would be clearer if they asked if I wanted to save the
changes. Thank you for your kind attention.
This is a very helpful newsgroup.

 

[Bert Hyman]

In John Polasek

I should have stated that I just opened the file to be sure about what
I was saying in complaining about the file opening. I made no changes,
yet I find it disconcerting to have to decide whether to save it or
not. It would be clearer if they asked if I wanted to save the
changes. Thank you for your kind attention.

Quicken has a parameter to "remind" you to do a manual backup after a
configurable number of executions, whether you've changed the file or
not.

Since TurboTax is likely a product of the same folks, it probably does
the same thing, apparently minus the configurability.

That said, I don't recall TT ever asking me to save a file I hadn't
actually changed.

 

[jo]

InPolasek








Quicken has a parameter to "remind" you to do a manual backup after a
configurable number of executions, whether you've changed the file or
not.

Since TurboTax is likely a product of the same folks, it probably does
the same thing, apparently minus the configurability.

That said, I don't recall TT ever asking me to save a file I hadn't
actually changed.

Bert, I sure TT asks me to save when all I've done is poke around.
Since I don't want the file dates form a prior year's return to change
(because it's just one more item to throw my off track if I'm browsing
around looking at tax returns), I have to be very careful when I check
something old out not to save the file because it always asks me.

Jo Philadelphia, PA

 

[Richard]

John,

Thanks for the clarification.

While I don't necessary agree with your position, I at least understand it.

I also find this newsgroup very helpful. It has a number of excellent
posters that respond timely and positively. I'm glad that you find the same.

 

[Robert Neville]

Bert, I sure TT asks me to save when all I've done is poke around.
Since I don't want the file dates form a prior year's return to change
(because it's just one more item to throw my off track if I'm browsing
around looking at tax returns), I have to be very careful when I check
something old out not to save the file because it always asks me.

If you've updated TTax after you've submitted your return (and why wouldn't you
as you'd want to know if your tax amount changed), TTax would have recomputed
your return. Even if the numbers haven't changed, that would be enough to make
it ask you to save the file.

 

[jo]

If you've updated TTax after you've submitted your return (and why wouldn't you
as you'd want to know if your tax amount changed), TTax would have recomputed
your return. Even if the numbers haven't changed, that would be enough tomake
it ask you to save the file.

Sorry about so many typos in the above. I'm really not illiterate.

I never update TTAX after I've submitted my return. I really don't
want to find out that I have to submit an amended form, although I
realize that may be silly and self defeating. Guess I should try it
for a couple of old returns but there are too many other things on my
plate these days and my return doesn't get into anything esoteric just
very tedious on the investment tracking side..

I did realize that if the program changed, it would ask me to save
the file.