Can't electronically file an extension with Turbotax Deluxe download 2021

[NotLearnedHand]

I just want to confirm there is no way to electronically file a federal extension form with Turbotax deluxe desktop/download.  

The instructions for an extension are not obvious but I found them through the search menu, and it directs me to print and mail the form.  If I google for how to file an extension electronically it looks like I can start an online turbotax account and file for an extension electronically there, but it does not seem as though, having paid a fair bit for Turbotax Deluxe and spent the time to enter my data on it, I can actually file an extension electronically with the desktop software.

 If this is true I am fairly disappointed in TT.

[ChondelLO]

In the TurboTax CD/Download software, you must paper-file your IRS extension (Form 4868). For more information, please visit the Help Article below.

How do I file an IRS extension (Form 4868) in the TurboTax C/D Download software?

[NotLearnedHand]

Thanks, but what is the justification for that?  Really makes me think less of TT.

[jba3]

I agree, what a POS why would a company who is all about making filing easy and electronic make you print and file an extension? I just realized I'm in the same position and now have to go the post office! Thanks TT

BTW for those who have to do this make sure you buy proof of delivery. 

[PCKari]

It really S****s that we cannot electronically file an extension with Turbotax  2021 that we purchased.

Bad business choice. Great opportunity for another system to step in and correct this mistake 

[mclovin]

I'm 99% sure I was able to file an extension last year electronically through TT.  What happened?!?  Shouldn't this be known prior or warned on the packaging you couldn't do it?

[Oscar54]

This is really foolish on the part of Turbotax, to make you have to paper file an extension when you have spent the money to buy the software. If this is an effort to make the majority of normal W-2 Itemizing Taxpayers upgrade to a premium Turbotax it is definitely a loser. All this does is piss individuals like me off. Maybe Intuit should require their management  people to use Turbotax to file their taxes and they won't make stupid decisions like this one.

[DoninGA]

None of the TurboTax desktop editions, Basic, Deluxe, Premier or Home & Business can e-file an extension request.

To e-file an extension go to this TurboTax website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/irs-tax-extensions/

[Oscar54]

Chondel:

Please let your people know that the online turbotax e-file extension fills out the Form 4868 incorrectly. If your estimated tax is less than your tax payments it shows the difference as a Balance Due, but the software version correctly shows "0." since payments exceed tax liability.  So you may want to correct this glitch.

[depenmark]

Thanks for the link, that was the most useful information in this thread.  I must agree with the others though that filing an extension is not intuitive on the desktop.  For those using the higher-level versions such as Deluxe and Premium, we do so because our tax situation is more complex than normal, thus we have a much higher likelihood of needing to file an extension.  Even the desktop help feature was worthless.  only figured it out by finding this thread on a web search.  On otherwise great software, this is a clear point of failure.

[creiten]

Yikes! This is new. VERY disappointed!!