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Using Forms Mode in TurboTax

Updated: 11/21/2012
Article ID: GEN12209

Forms mode is exclusively available in TurboTax CD/Download software. It is not available in TurboTax Online.

 Caution: It's okay to switch to Forms mode if you want to look at a form or two, but constant switching between the two modes can cause data corruption and program freezes. For that reason, we recommend you stick with one mode throughout the return.

Step-by-Step (Easystep) vs. Forms mode

In TurboTax CD/Download software, you can prepare your tax return by using either Step-by-Step mode (called Easystep mode on Mac) or Forms mode.

  • In Step-by-Step (Easystep) mode, TurboTax asks about you and your tax situation using easy-to-understand language.
    • TurboTax automatically determines which forms you need and fills them out for you.
    • We recommend the Step-by-Step method to ensure you don't miss out on credits or deductions you may not be aware of.
  • In Forms mode, you can enter information directly onto your tax forms as you would when filling out a return by hand.
    • In Forms mode you're on your own; TurboTax provides little guidance in completing your return.
    • However, Forms mode comes in handy if you want to see how TurboTax filled out a particular form or schedule "behind the scenes".

Switching to Forms Mode (Windows)

To switch from the default Step-by-Step mode to Forms mode, simply click the Forms icon. The Forms button is located at the upper right in TurboTax.

This will open the Federal Information Worksheet.

  • To open a particular form, click its name in the list on the left.
  • To add a new form to the list, click the Open Form button near the top of the left pane, select the desired form (you may need to click the + signs to expand the list), and then click Open Form.

To switch back to Step-by-Step, click the Step-by-Step "footprints" icon near the top of the TurboTax screen or select Step-by-Step from the View menu. (The Close Form button merely closes the form on top if you have multiple forms open.)

Switching to Forms Mode (Mac)

To switch from the default Easystep mode to Forms mode, simply click the Forms icon. The Forms button is located at the upper left of the program.

This will open the Federal Information Worksheet.

  • To open a particular form, click its name in the list on the left.
  • To add a new form to the list, click the Open Form button near the top-middle of the program, select the desired form, and then click Open.

To switch back to Easystep mode, click the Easystep "street sign" icon at the top-left of the window or select Go to Easystep from the View menu. (The Close Form button merely closes the form on top if you have multiple forms open.)

Viewing the form associated with a screen (Windows)

To view the tax form associated with the Step-by-Step screen you're on, click Show Relevant Form in the gray bar at the bottom of the screen. (You'll see No Form if no specific form is associated with that screen.)

This opens the associated form in the lower part of the screen. You can adjust the form window's size by clicking and dragging the narrow "dividing line" between the form and the interview screen.

To go back to full Step-by-Step mode, click Hide Relevant Form in the gray bar at the bottom.

Viewing the form associated with a screen (Mac)

To view the tax form associated with the Easystep screen you're on, click the black triangle icon next to Show [Form Name] in the gray bar at the bottom of the screen. (You'll see No Form if no specific form is associated with that screen.)

This opens the associated form in the lower part of the screen.

To go back to full Easystep, click Hide [Form Name] in the gray bar at the bottom.

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