The fees for a payment plan are lower if you apply for a payment plan directly on the IRS web site instead of through TurboTax. In TurboTax, when you get to the screen that asks "How Do You Want to Pay Your Federal Taxes?" do not select "I want to request an installment payment plan." Select "I will mail a check." File your tax return without making any payment, and do not mail a check. Then go to Apply online for a payment plan on the IRS web site and apply for a payment plan.