Guess I've been way ahead of the curve on this.  I normally have current and prior years returns open at the same time, and often would be inputting on the wrong one.  Then i found this easy fix:

I guess @Accountant-Man was more header of the curve than me....see his post above

Tools>>>>Options>>>>General>>>>Like third line down... to the right "Show Field Color".  uncheck that box....  You can certainly determine which year you are in..