I see underpayment charges on my federal return & state return. Although my withheld amount was more than the total tax I paid last year (2018).

[grg-ankt]

I didn't file my 2018 return with turbo tax. I am filing my 2019 return with them. I am not sure if the tool can access my last years return info. I see it says I need to pay underpayment penalty.

But my total withheld amount for 2019 is higher than the 2018 total tax. How do I fix this?

[VolvoGirl]

If you didn't use Turbo Tax for 2018 then no, it can't find your 2018 info so you will have to enter your tax liability.

You might be able to eliminate it or at least reduce it.  You can go to Federal Taxes tab or Personal tab, under Other Tax Situations and select Start by the Underpayment Penalties. You will answer a series of questions that may reduce or eliminate the penalty. Or you can elect to have the IRS figure the penalty for you.  It's form 2210.

It's under

Federal or Personal (for Home & Business Desktop)

Other Tax Situations

Additional Tax Payments

Underpayment Penalties - Click the Start or update button

If you have the desktop program you can switch to Forms Mode (click forms in the upper right (left for Mac)) and open the 2210 form.

ps....I had a refund once and still had a penalty for not paying in evenly during the year.