Extension Verbiage Indicates Taxes Are Being Filed

[mstsuzanne]

When I go through the steps to file an extension, the final screen doesn't say anything about an extension. Instead, the button to submit says "Transmit my returns now" and there is a large warning at the top that this is just like dropping your returns in the mailbox. I do NOT want to inadvertently be transmitting my return!!! I'm suspecting this is just faulty verbiage, but nonetheless I am wary of clicking. Help!

[JohnB5677]

Did you do the extension in the TurboTax software.

This TurboTax site does not seem to have that issue.

You can file an extension from our website Free federal tax extension is now available,

• You will need to file by October 15, 2026.
• However, you must estimate and pay the taxes you owe now.
  • You can make payments electronically through the Direct Pay system 
  • Or you can pay by check or money order through the mail to specific locations based on your residence. 
  • Cash isn't an accepted form of payment.

 You can view the TurboTax article Need More Time? File a Tax Extension

[mstsuzanne]

Aside from the sidebar that indicates that I'm in the extension area, the verbiage on this page never mentions that I am transmitting an extension. The top says "It's time to sign and transmit your 2025 returns", gives the "just like a mailbox" warning, and even the button at the bottom says "Transmit my returns now." That is why I am reluctant to confirm and send. I don't want to risk submitting my actual returns. I filed an extension last year as well and don't remember having these doubts.

[user17736945444]

Same problem as OP today when using the website. Did not want to file my taxes, wanted an extension. Had entered payment amount and bank info and then got to the page that appears to ask me to submit my tax forms. I did not press the button and now don’t know if estimated taxes were filed or not. Question asked by OP was not clearly answered. 

[MonikaK1]

You do also have the option to use Easy Extension (a separate TurboTax website) rather than filing from within your TurboTax product, if you choose.

However, you can file the extension within your return following the procedures below and it won't transmit your tax returns with it. To file Form 4868 to request an extension on time to file your tax return, select your situation:

• TurboTax Online: follow these instructions to e-file your extension.
• TurboTax CD/Download software: follow these instructions to print Form 4868.

Keep in mind: An extension doesn't give you extra time to pay your taxes, but it'll keep you from getting a late filing penalty. (You'll still owe interest if you pay after the deadline.)

@user17736945444 

@mstsuzanne 

[mstsuzanne]

I do understand how extensions work. Because the verbiage continues to indicate that I am actually filing my taxes, I continue to be reluctant to complete the process. Surely this is something you can look into? After years of filing with TurboTax, I am going to have to investigate other options, as this is really reducing my confidence.  I have stuck with TurboTax because I feel familiar with it, but problems like this, coupled with lack of features such as attaching documents, means it's probably time to move on.

[nsha]

I have the same issue and the same hesitation. I even saw others' feedback elsewhere that says after they filed the extension, they are not able to efile their taxes! 

Why doesn't it say "transmit your extension filing"?  This is not the return and there's no reason for TurboTax to detect that the return is ready to submit as the AI chatbot suggests. It's nearly blank!

I will go elsewhere before I use it like this!

[mesquitebean]

@ nsha  and @ mstsuzanne   

  For future reference, IMO it's faster and easier to file an extension request and payment at either the IRS Direct Pay website or from inside your online IRS account.  Those methods are also available sooner each year than in TurboTax.

If using IRS Direct Pay, in the form there select "1040 Income tax".  When it asks the "reason for payment," choose "extension" and choose the correct tax year the payment is for. It will then ask for some bits of info from a previous tax return (you choose the year)  to verify your identity.  You can pay directly out of your bank account for free.  There is a service charge if you use debit/credit card.   Be especially aware of any fee for credit card, which can be kinda hefty if your payment is large.   Print out the confirmation when you finish and save in your records.  

https://www.irs.gov/payments

Or you should be able to make the extension request and payment inside your online IRS account (if you have one) in the Payments section.   Again, there is a form to indicate the "reason" for the payment, so choose "extension."

For the sake of completeness, if someone has a Treasury EFTPS account, it can be used to make an extension request and payment.  

[sdnytaxpayer]

I have the exact same issue online. This is not good at all. BTW there are also obvious spelling and grammar issues in the pages that lead up to that page. It seems like the quality of TurboTax has gone way downhill this year. There is no way I am submitting that form because it clearly says that it will be transmitting the federal taxes. Did y'all lay off a bunch of software engineers and decide to do this with AI?

[mpatel678]

I have the same exact issue - I've prepped most of my return so just I can know how much I roughly owe.

But then Easy Extension only prompts me to submit the Return, not the Extension

There must be a bug in TurboTax here

[mpatel678]

I clicked "Transmit returns" and it showed me a page confirming my extension was filed.

The copy is misleading, but it just submitted the extension

[mstsuzanne]

You're brave to try it! But I'm still wary.

[mstsuzanne]

Sort of defeats the purpose of using TurboTax, then.

[IsabellaG]

This situation has been reported, and the verbiage for filing the extension is being updated. Thank you for alerting us to this experience.  @mpatel678 @mstsuzanne @sdnytaxpayer 

[aarthvr]

when will this be updated? still weary of pressing submit