if you are using the desktop version, switch to Forms view, and then there is a form called 'tax payments' under the Federal Section (don't look all the way down at the state section); it's 8-10 lines from the top.
That 'tax payments' form will let you enter both federal and state payments. Once you enter an amount you are going to pay the state directly, go back and look at your state tax return....Line 27 should now zero out.
p.s. I appreciate what you are saying about the interest past April 15 (I live in NC) ... the issue is while the Dept of Revenue can change the due date, only the legislative can waive the interest from April 15. That is what happened last year and so far no indication what the legislature is going to do.
