topic E-File after setting up a payment plan in Deductions & credits

E-File after setting up a payment plan

mdrescher7 — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:06:42 GMT

I used the Federal website to set ups payment plan. I must say the whole process with Turbo Tax ad the Fed is very confusing. Anyway I received "You have been approved for a Direct Debit Payment Plan (Installment Agreement) from the Fed. So back in Turbo Tax do I select e-File and I will mail a check?

Also the way I understand the payment plan is they will process it about 8 weeks after filing. Is that correct? If so do I wait to file on 4/14 or file now?

Thank you.

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

VictoriaD75 — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:50:48 GMT

If you haven't filed yet, step through the File section of TurboTax until you reach the screen How do you want to pay your federal taxes? Select the installment payment plan option, Continue, and follow the onscreen instructions.

If you already filed, or you're unable to find this option in TurboTax, you can apply for a payment plan at the IRS Payment Plans and Installment Agreements webpage (make sure you've filed your return before applying through their site).

Can I set up a payment plan for my taxes?

You can file now. It will not change anything with your installment agreement. Be sure to review this information regarding IRS payment plans.

Additional Information on Payment Plans

@mdrescher7

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

zooropa2 — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:53:08 GMT

All of the information I can find says you have to file first before setting up a payment plan, but Turbo Tax does not let me file without setting up a payment plan. I have tried setting it up on the IRS website several times but it gives me an error message because I haven’t filed yet. How do I file?????

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

bgambrill — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:48:52 GMT

There is no "File with a payment paln" option offerd in TT Win.

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

MonikaK1 — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:01:18 GMT

Here is how to set up an IRS payment plan in TurboTax if you haven't filed yet:

Go to the File section.
Select Request an IRS payment plan on the How would you like to pay your federal taxes? screen.

See this help article for more information including how to set up a payment plan directly with IRS.

@bgambrill

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

bgambrill — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:58:56 GMT

The page strongly recommends that the plan be setup on the IRS site, because the fees will be less, and not by filling the form on TTAX

But once the plan is set up on the IRS site there is no option to e-file on TTAX if the plan is setup that way.

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

VolvoGirl — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:01:45 GMT

If you already set up a plan with the IRS then just pick you will mail a check when you efile. You don't have to really mail a check.

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

DoninGA — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:02:21 GMT

@bgambrill Just select to pay the taxes owed by mailing a check so you can e-file. Once e-filed you do not mail a check since you have an IRS payment plan,

Re: E-File after seeing up a payment plan

bgambrill — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:05:41 GMT

That is what I did , hoping it was OK.

My whole point here is that TTAX should include a submittal option for this stuation so we dont have to just guess.

Thanks