Opening Returns

Forum|Forum|11 months ago
April 12, 2025
2 replies
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Is there a way to open multiple instances of TT at the same time or view multiple returns side by side? Or view multiple forms of the same return side by side?

I'd like to be able to view my return and my child's return without switching back and forth.

I'd like to view multiple forms from the same return side by side.

Best answer by squidlady

@squidlady I just can't seem to get that to work. I also tried selecting both .tax2024 files in File Explorer and opening at the same time but TT gets launched with only one. It doesn't matter if I do a Save As from within TT or make a copy with a new name from within File Explorer.

Darn! So sorry. I guess it is a Windows thing! 😯

I just googled and found other people asking the same question and it just doesn't look possible in Windows...

I can't imagine why.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/how-to-work-on-multiple-returns-in-parallel/00/3293175

VolvoGirl

Employee

No. Are you using the Desktop program or the Online version?

reyeswayAuthor

@VolvoGirl I am using the desktop version.

robtm

Employee

To do that you would need to be able to access both returns on the same computer and be in split-screen mode on your computer.

reyeswayAuthor

@robtm I know how to use split-screen mode (good thought), but I am unable to open a second instance of TT. When I try to open TT again, I end up back at the instance I already have open.

Maybe my question should have been a little clearer:

I want to open two returns that I am currently working on at the same time so that I can compare and/or change values in either one without switching back and forth between those returns using File -> Open Tax Return.

I don't want to save each return as a PDF to compare then have to keep switching in TT to make changes then save it as a PDF again.

squidlady

Employee

Every year I prepare my return 3 different ways, simultaneously. I have all 3 files open on my computer at the same time. No split-screen mode needed. I'm starting with my previous year's return (and there are 3 versions of each one. What I suggest you try is to just copy your current return and change the name of the copy, and open both that copy and the original one together. In other words, open the original one, and whilst that is still open, open the copy. I can't imagine this not working, but if not, then you would have to try something else like doing a "save as" in the 1st one and changing the name for the 2nd one.

In other words, YES it is possible to have more than one return open at the same time! I've been doing that for at least13 years now.