How do I submit the extension without authorizing the IRS to withdraw funds? Setting the amount to 0 does not work, and clicking skip payment does not work.

If you have a refund due, then please put the taxes owed and taxes paid. The taxes owed should be same or less than taxes paid. Then on next screen, you can choose to "Skip Payment". Please note that the extension is for filing your tax return and not for the payment of taxes owed. That is, if you owe taxes, then you need to pay them on or before April 15, 2019 (today).

I did choose to "skip payment," and the software would still not allow me to file the extension without authorizing the IRS to access my account.  Please assist.

Will you please elaborate on "IRS accessing your account"? The link <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301811">https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301811</a> may be helpful in answering your question.