I want to change only one item in my 2015 taxes to confirm a strategy for 2016. I can create a new file, but after I try to bring in last years data, no numbers show up.

Don't create a new file. Instead, while open in your 2015 return, click on file, on the tool bar. Then click save as. This will make a duplicate return. Rename it something like 2016 Preliminary. Then manipulate your data (change only one item, in your case) as needed.

Or you can use the What-If Worksheet in the 2015 program.

- Click the Forms icon at the top right.
- Click the Open Form icon at the top left.
- Type "what" without the quotes.
- The What-If Worksheet will appear in the Open Form window. Click on it, then click the Open Form button at the bottom of the window.
- Click Help Center for instructions for using the form. There is a box you can check to use 2016 tax rates.

When you transfer data from the previous year, the amounts of income, deductions, etc. are not transferred because they usually vary from year to year. Using the 2015 program, with either of the two suggested methods, lets you start off your 2016 estimate with your 2015 numbers.

Save As worked perfectly. I was able to go to the form I wanted, edit an entry, and immediately see the impact without risking any change to my existing file. Thanks for the quick answer.