Skip to main content
TurboTax
Community
TurboTax
Community
TurboTax
Community
D
dstover
March 5, 2023
Solved

How do I start a second return for another family member in TurboTax CD without overwriting the other one?

  • March 5, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 0 views

Last year I used TurboTax CD to file taxes for both myself and my dad. I finished and filed my own taxes first, then did his. This year I'm trying to work on both returns at the same time. But when I try to start a new return for my dad (and select his tax return from last year to transfer), the program seems to revert immediately to my return that I'm working on. How can I work on both before filing them?

    Best answer by Anonymous_
    @dstover wrote:

    This year I'm trying to work on both returns at the same time.

    You can definitely prepare both returns with the CD version, but you cannot have both returns open at the same time. 

     

    You can open one return and work on it, but then you have to close (and save) that return before opening and working on the next return.

     

    3 replies

    X
    xmasbaby0
    Employee
    March 5, 2023

    It sounds like you are using the online software instead of the CD/download.

     

    We see people get confused and they keep logging in to online software which will require them to pay at the end.   You need to use the desktop software.   One way to tell if you are using the right software---your tool bar.   Online software has the toolbar in a black vertical column on the left side of the screen.   Desktop software has the tools up on the top of your TT screen.

     

     

     If you are using online, you are using the wrong program.  You need to switch to the desktop software to get what you paid for.  You have to download it, update it and open it up from your own hard drive to use it.  

     

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

     

     

    If you begin using the CD/download correctly you will be able to open the program from your own hard drive, and then go up to the tool bar and click New Return to start returns for other family members.

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
      D
      dstoverAuthor
      March 10, 2023

      No, I am not using the Online version. As I stated in my question, I am using the CD download version.

      DoninGA
      DoninGA
      Employee
      March 10, 2023
      @dstover wrote:

      No, I am not using the Online version. As I stated in my question, I am using the CD download version.

      Save the tax return you are working on.  Click on the File menu at the top left of the desktop program screen.  Click on Save.

      Then in the File menu click on New Tax Return.

      A
      Anonymous_Answer
      Employee
      March 5, 2023
      @dstover wrote:

      This year I'm trying to work on both returns at the same time.

      You can definitely prepare both returns with the CD version, but you cannot have both returns open at the same time. 

       

      You can open one return and work on it, but then you have to close (and save) that return before opening and working on the next return.

       

        fanfare
        fanfare
        Employee
        March 5, 2023

        Enter CTL-N to start a second tax return.

        C
        Cincolo
        March 3, 2025

        This is the first time I've had to do this.  It definitely isn't straight forward-at least in the Home and Business version. 

        1) Select to [Start a new return] on the main screen.

        2) It will take you to the screen showing your other current return, and the cursor just spins while it says it's looking for other returns. 

        3) Select the [Continue without Transferring] option in the bottom right.

        4) Eventually a "Save return?" prompt comes up.  Select "yes."  It appears it's wanting to make sure your other return is saved first.

        5) Then a new prompt should appear asking you to name the new return.  [Continue] and it should be fine from there.

        TurboTax Sign In Widget
        TurboTax flag icon

        Unlock tailored help options in your account

        Create an account
        TurboTax Expert Assist
        TurboTax Expert

        Get answers to all your tax questions

        Our experts are available on-demand, no appointment needed. Get help all year long with TurboTax Expert Assist.

        Terms & ConditionsCookie settingsAccessibility statement
        Intuit
        TurboTax Credit Karma QuickBooks MailChimp

        ©1997-2022 Intuit, Inc. All rights reserved.
        Intuit, QuickBooks, QB, TurboTax, ProConnect, and Mint are registered trademarks
        of Intuit Inc. Terms and conditions, features, support, pricing, and service options
        subject to change without notice.

        Security Certification of the TurboTax Online application has been performed by
        C-Level Security.

        By accessing and using this page you agree to the Terms of Use.

        Accessibility

        TRUSTe nResult Certified e-File C-Level Security Certification