Overriding a Calculated or Carried Entry

A calculated field is a field that is automatically computed for you based on information you have entered elsewhere on the same form, or on another form or worksheet. A carried field is a field that the program copies from the place where you originally entered it and on to any other form where the information is used. For example, your name is entered on the Background Worksheet and is automatically carried to every other form in your return. Gray fields on a form are calculated or carried fields. White fields allow you to directly enter data without an override.

Occasionally you may want to change the value of a calculated or carried field, thereby overriding the value that the program entered for you. You can use the Edit menu to override a value calculated for you by the program. You can display the Edit Menu by selecting Edit from the menu bar or by right-clicking in the field you want to edit. When you override an entry, it appears in red.

To override a calculated or carried value:

  1. Display the Whole form in the Interview.

  2. Click in the field with the value you want to override.

  3. Go to the Edit menu or right-click and select Override.

  4. On the Entry Information tab, click in the Override this entry check box. A checkmark appears in the box.

  5. Enter a value in the field below.

  6. Click OK.

To clear an overridden value:

  1. Display the Whole form in the Interview.

  2. Click in the field with the value that is overridden.

  3. Go to the Edit menu or right-click and select Override.

  4. On the Entry Information tab, uncheck the Override this entry box by clicking in it. The value will be grayed out.  

  5. Click OK. The entry is deleted.

Note: Override a field only when you are certain that you are entering the correct information. If you are unsure, let the program take you to the related form or worksheet to revisit the original entry.