File Extension from Desktop Version

[rmhartman]

A better question is "why was this feature REMOVED", because it used to be possible to file the extension using the desktop program!!

[rmhartman]

why doesn't the tt help 'bot know this?

[rmhartman]

This breaks down at the "you have to enter" yes, we have to enter ON THE WEB SITE all that stuff that is ALREADY IN THE TURBOTAX DESKTOP PROGRAM.   

Why?

[rmhartman]

Mine didn't even send me to the form to print and mail!   It just gave me generic info about extensions, including deadlines.  But ZERO help on EITHER method (have tt print the form and mail it, OR the web site).

[andrewc123]

Intuit are you reading this?  Part of why I purchased TT desktop was to be able to file for an extension easily after I figure out what I owe.  I've done it in past years.  Not anymore apparently.  Next year I'll be going to TaxCut HRBlock.  If you want my continued business then email me that you've fixed this.

[jblazar]

Your instructions do not work.  How about just having an extension form like in previous years.  If I remember correctly, we could just file it through Turbotax desktop without having to go to your website. Why fix something that is not broken and expose our SSNs to a third party.  Really STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jblazar]

That is fine, but how do you e-file it?

[Cincolo]

JBlazer:  No, you shouldn't have to enter all your desktop tax entries just to file an extension. If you're using this site/link:   https://turbotax.intuit.com/irs-tax-extensions/  You login with our Intuit account. Then it asks you 2 questions (if you were in the military or lived in Puerto Rico).  How you plan to file.  Your address.  Then it asks these 2 questions:

Estimated 2024 federal total tax liability (form 1040, line 24)

Total 2024 federal taxes paid (Box 2 from your W-2(s), Box 4 from your 1099(s), and quarterly estimated tax payments)

Leave this blank if it doesn't apply to you

It will show if you anticipate owing tax or getting a refund.  If owing, it will want a payment/payment plan. If a refund, you will basically not have to enter anything else. 

This site may be easier for you but it's only used if you need to make a payment.  You select the option EXTENSION and then it allows you to make a one-time payment:  https://directpay.irs.gov/directpay/payment?execution=e1s1

[WapellaTaxQuestions]

No that is incorrect.

The product in question is TurboTax desktop.  You don't log in to TT Desktop.  

That is the entire crux of the issue.  Please just read the above discussion.

It is a good accounting practices to not keep two sets of books.  Just have one number, consistently applied across all flings.  Kind of a Best Practices 101.   

Come on @turbotax can you get your act together here?

 

[cactusman]

Some previous replies have been correct.  This used to be a feature of the desktop version.  It has now become hard to find.  I agree in that we shouldn't have to switch to using online account.  Also, the Search function points towards the old way of doing it: Search "extend" and then pick on "Jump to extend".  This no longer works!

I did find a way to do it on the desktop:

Save the Return and exit Turbotax.

Restart Turbotax.

The first screen is "Continue Your 2024 Tax Return".  I my case, I have two returns (mine and my daughters) to pick from.  I didn't pick either yet.  In the lower-right corner you find a button for "File an Extension".  Pick that and Turbotax will walk you through filing the Federal Extension.  I chose to pay an amount.  It adjusts for that in the "Federal Tax Due" amount at the top-middle of the screen, so the system understands I am making that payment.  I also checked the forms to see if it updates that payment, which it did on Schedule 3, line 10, carried on line 31 of form 1040.  Bravo!

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a way to get it to do my State (Arizona) extension.  I had to download the form, fill it out, and mail.

[Fabri-geek]

>Intuit are you reading this?

Obviously not, as this has been an issue (and ongoing complaint) for multiple years. And all the replies from the "Employee Experts" only turn up the volume on just how tone-deaf Intuit has become. 

>Part of why I purchased TT desktop was to be able to file for an extension easily after I figure out what I owe.

I ended up going to the IRS and using one of their free partners. Enter my info & three numbers: What I expect to owe, what I've paid, and what I'm paying with my "eFile for extension". 

I'm a longtime customer of TT as well. And with our home business, one who has literally paid thousands to Intuit over the many years of running our business. And each year, it's the same old shortcomings. The problems remain. Maybe a new font, a slightly more polished interface. But the same confusing sequence of questions. 

> Next year I'll be going to TaxCut HRBlock. 

Maybe we all should...

[packman]

Thanks cactusman - will have to give that a shot next time filing an extension.   (I had already sent snail-mail; in that case it just takes you to your return).

It's odd that they wouldn't present this option within the return itself, where the "File an Extension" form 4868 is.

[DoninGA]

For future reference - You can get an automatic extension from the IRS if you make an extension payment on the IRS website for Direct Pay on or before the due date of the federal tax return - https://directpay.irs.gov/directpay/payment?execution=e1s1

[WapellaTaxQuestions]

As has been mentioned multiple times above, I don't need to use TurboTax to file a paper extension with the IRS.   The whole point of the OP (which I wrote) is a request to have a single set of accounting records all held within one system.  That would be a very useful feature for Turbo Tax.

Having multiple sets of records and manual, paper based entries and submissions defeat the purpose of a electronic record keeping and filing system.

[Cincolo]

Wapellataxquestions:  My response was to JBlazer.  I don't know why these responses don't note the person you're replying to.  Of course we understand your complaint about not being able to file it electronically within TurboTax.  There is no question about that.  He was having trouble filing it using the online TurboTax (he would have preferred filing it within desktop, but obviously we can't). I was giving him 2 links to file it electronically.