While using the 2024 version of Turbo Tax Deluxe (Windows Desktop) version, I ran into problems with it not automatically presuming I would wish to use the option of calculating ESTIMATED TAX TAX PAYMENTS - 1040-ES, even though I have used it in 2023 and previous years.
In an attempt to find the option, I looked under "Deductions & Credits" and could not find it. I then called the help desk number and gave them info on this problem (and that I kept getting into a weird request to complete my state's income tax portion, even though Washington state has no income tax). While waiting to talk to one of their experts, I FOUND where this option is located:
"FEDERAL TAXES" -> "Other Tax Situations" and then under "Other Tax Forms" and lastly "Form W-4 and estimated taxes" -> THEN YOU have to go through another "option" (Do you want to change your W-4 withholdings for 2025?" - SAY NO - then on the next window you finally see this option:
"Estimated Taxes for 2025" and "Do you want to prepare estimated taxes for 2025?" <<<<<<<<
Here's the thing, only people who get a regular paycheck can request changing taxes set aside via a "W-4" form. But, for those who do their own estimated taxes (e.g. self employed or use IRA or other savings) they MUST use THIS path through Turbo-Tax for it to help them "guess" how much their income will be next year and use the "safe harbor" process to calculate acceptable quarterly payments for the NEXT year based on THIS years income and taxes.,
IRS document "2025 Form 1040-ES Estimated Tax for Individuals" explains how to do this all by hand. But, buried deeply in TurboTax, is the process for TurboTax to calculate this for you. And this is sweet and nice.
Sigh.
