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.
You can use this TurboTax website to file the extension
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?
See TurboTax Desktop in How do I file an IRS tax extension?
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What you say is true, but you still have to mail in the form. They will not submit it for you electronically.
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.
The word EXTEND doesn't work in the help menu on desk top, which TurboTax needs to fix!
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?
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.
You don't have to have 2 sets of books. You had to create a TurboTax Online account to install the desktop software. Use this link - Easy Extension website and sign into that TurboTax Online account.
You have to enter name, address, and SSNs and then your estimates, see the only data (amounts) entry page below. You can skip past the TurboTax payment screen and choose to pay your tax bill at the IRS website. TurboTax will e-file your extension.
@WapellaTaxQuestions @psberg0306 @mldkvn
That is literally keeping two sets of books. One set, with Turbotax Desktop and the other set with Turbotax Online.
Terrible accounting practice. Things should be consistent and traceable.
I just go to the website and file it. It's just a form to extend and doesn't require all your tax info. Then you get into your desktop TurboTax and complete and file when you're ready.
If you made a payment when you extended, make sure you enter that (from TurboTax Community):
To enter the amount you paid with an extension (including state extension) go to
Federal Taxes (or Personal for desktop H&B version)
Deductions and Credits
Then scroll way down to Estimates and Other Taxes Paid
Other Income Taxes - Click the Start or Update button
Next page second section Payments with Extension
Either Visit All or Click Start or Update by the extension you paid
Pay attention to which year you are entering for a State Extension payment. A prior year state extension payment is also deductible on the federal return so be sure to enter it here.
To get the amount paid on a state extension to show up on the state return……
When you are done updating your federal return, you need to transfer the new federal information by going back through the state tab and the state return. Nothing will change until you transfer the fed info to the state again.
That is keeping a second set of books and exactly what I am trying to avoid.
No reason that customers paying for Turbo Tax shouldn't have a single, consistent record.
I guess I don't consider it a big deal or a separate set of books. It's just a form. I have the PDF copy as proof I filed an extension. It asks for 2 figures from taxes. If you owe, then you do have to go back into the desktop version and add that payment. Nothing else is done in the online version. If I recall, if you select the option to do it in desktop, it only has you print the form, but it reminds you to enter any payments. If doing the extension on the website, you have to remember to add those payments. I agree though that it seems odd not to have the electronic filing option in desktop. However, to me it's not a big deal to spend 3 minutes to file it online. In fact, I just did it for my sister's taxes I am filing for her for the first time this year.