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How do I apply my California tax refund to 2026 estimated taxes?

While I can find where to apply federal refunds to 2026 estimated tax, I can NOT find where to apply California state tax refunds. When I go and start to file California it lets me ONLY get refund through Turbotax, via direct deposit or by check.
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4 Replies

How do I apply my California tax refund to 2026 estimated taxes?

I did that once in 2023 California.  Wish I hadn't but t hat is a long story.  

 

To apply a state refund it will be on one of the last screens before you file state. Go to State Taxes tab and keep continuing and stepping though the interview about a dozen or more screens and it will finally ask how much you want to apply. It is probably one of the last questions in the state section.

How do I apply my California tax refund to 2026 estimated taxes?

This isn't 2023 and things appear to have changed. I'm ONLY getting options to get check or have refund deposited to my bank account or to have TurboTax handle the refund money.

BillM223
Employee Tax Expert

How do I apply my California tax refund to 2026 estimated taxes?

Do you use the TurboTax Online product or the TurboTax Desktop product (and if Desktop, is it Windows or Mac)?

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How do I apply my California tax refund to 2026 estimated taxes?

I'm using the web version. I've figured it out myself! I went back to the state form and found the section about taxes and other credits. Under that I found there was a place to say you wanted the refund used for next year's estimated taxes.  Previously I had found that for the federal form by asking a question then getting a link to the appropriate place. Unfortunately, when I asked the question for the state I didn't get an answer with a similar link. In any case, the closing dialogue on both fed and state should include the ability to apply the refund to next year's estimated since that is the "logical" place to deal with that question. For the state I got a screen that asked if I wanted TurboTax to handle the refund or is I wanted it sent to my bank via direct deposit. There was also another a place where it said to see other options. But when I opened the "other" options it just had the ability to request a paper check! Daaaa, applying the refund is "another" option and that is where it should appear! That appearance can be in addition to where they have it now.

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