topic Re: File Extension from Desktop Version in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:51:41 GMT

Why can't I file an Extension from Turbo Tax Desktop? Why am I forced to have multiple accounts with multiple sets of information to do this simple procedure? Seems like a great way to get erroneous data onto my tax return.

Turbo Tax is pretty expensive now. This should be a built in feature of the program.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

JohnB5677 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:55:48 GMT

You can use this TurboTax website to file the extension

Free federal tax extension

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:17:44 GMT

Yes, of course, I know that. But then we have two sets of books going on with the possibility of error and typos.

Why doesn't Turbo Tax keep this all within one system to prevent errors?

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

JohnB5677 — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:57:03 GMT

See TurboTax Desktop in How do I file an IRS tax extension?

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:34:36 GMT

I know what the Help system says. My question is a more of a suggestion to Intuit to improve the system so customers don't end up keeping two sets of books.

We should be able to have a consistent set of interactions with the IRS via Turbotax, without using multiple systems. We should be able to directly file for an extension using TurboTax desktop, and not have to print out and mail another form, or log into a separate system.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:40:16 GMT

Does anyone from Turbotax/Intuit even monitor these boards? Seems like a pretty straightforward feature request. You have 10,000 other features. Why not allow filing an extension from the desktop version?

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

CatinaT1 — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:55:03 GMT

I'm not really tracking what you are saying. Why do you think you have to go to a different program or account to do this? Have you followed the desktop instructions here?

How do I file an IRS tax extension? - TurboTax Support - Intuit

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 17:11:06 GMT

Yes, of course. Have been requesting this for many years now. The Turbo Tax desktop instructions approximately say 'you're on your own on this one' . It directs you to fill out a paper form and mail it in, which has been archaic for 20 years or so now.

I want to keep a consistent and accurate set of tax records. I don't want to use one system for an extension and another system for actually filing.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

ef151ffe — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:34:09 GMT

You can use Desktop TT to file an extension. I just did it.

Open Forms, type "4868" in the search bar, and open the form. Check/confirm the info, and then hit the "Print Center" button on the top right. It will ask if you want to save a PDF, or preview a print copy.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:38:28 GMT

You don't really need Turbo Tax to submit paper forms to the IRS.

I am looking for a fully enclosed electronic system of managing tax information that does not involve mailing papers to the IRS. There is no reason that Intuit cannot include that. They have 1000 other features. Why not 1001?

I don't want to keep a second set of books. I want all my tax information on the same platform. Not one paper and one electronic platform.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

packman — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:51:41 GMT

YES!! I have the same beef with Intuit. The whole point of buying the desktop version is that I don't want my tax paperwork online. I want to maintain it all in one place and one place only - my computer. The Intuit software allows me to actually file my taxes using this method - my computer - but it doesn't allow me to file for extension using my computer. The only options are to use the online software (as mentioned - then there are two separate sets of books), or via snail mail (archaic).

Even the IRS form itself shows three options for filing an extension - one of them being "E-File using your Tax Software". Well - except TurboTax desktop simply does not support that.

A glaring hole in the software.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

packman — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 11:54:23 GMT

But that's not using Desktop TT to file it - it's using snail mail. Desktop TT is just giving you the form to print out - you're not actually using it to file it.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

packman — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:02:12 GMT

(edit: duplicate see below)

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

packman — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:00:19 GMT

The beef is this:

The "print and mail" thing is archaic. Intuit should support submitting 4868 online (like it does for the main 1040). In addition to using archaic snail-mail - if a payment is due this requires writing out a physical check, which is also archaic for a lot of people.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

psberg0306 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:39:29 GMT

What you say is true, but you still have to mail in the form. They will not submit it for you electronically.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

psberg0306 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:41:27 GMT

I'm going to have to agree that OP has it right. I tried to file for an extension on Form 4868 for 2024. There is no way on TTax to do it electronically. You have to MAIL it in. With snail mail, figure on a minimum of 1 week to get there (I'm in Hawaii). It's just a hassle and one never knows whether the IRS even received the extension request. It doesn't particularly disturb me that I have to mail it in, because I have pre-figured my taxes and know I will receive a sizable refund.

TTax has an online lure where they claim you can file an extension for free by going to their website. But once you are informed that you can file for an extension, they want to sell you a TTax program! This is really ridiculous.

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

mldkvn — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:50:09 GMT

The word EXTEND doesn't work in the help menu on desk top, which TurboTax needs to fix!

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:51:54 GMT

Repeating....

Does anyone from Turbotax/Intuit even monitor these boards? Seems like a pretty straightforward feature request. You have 10,000 other features. Why not allow filing an extension from the desktop version?

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

WapellaTaxQuestions — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:53:11 GMT

@turbotax @intuit

Does anyone from Turbotax/Intuit even monitor these boards? Seems like a pretty straightforward feature request. You have 10,000 other features. Why not allow filing an extension from the desktop version?

Re: File Extension from Desktop Version

mldkvn — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 01:24:45 GMT

https://easy-extension.turbotax.intuit.com

I used the link above it was pretty fast under a free account. Was able to e-file it at the end. Do wish this was on the desktop version. For state you usually just need to send in an estimated payment, the federal extension is good for state too, until Oct 15th.