How to apply for an extension on Federal 2025 returns (I live in Texas)?

[juham2013]

I am using a Desktop version of TurboTax (Home & Business) and have decided to apply for an extension on my 2025 tax returns.  Plenty of videos showing how to do it using the Online version,  but that doesn't help me!

I also read that some Desktop versions don't have the extension feature available which is completely incomprehensible!

The search function is completely useless.

How do I apply for the extension electronically, using TT?

Cheers,

JJ

[maglib]

Make sure to pay any taxes you may owe still by 4/15.  Turbotax has all the info you need here.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/internal-revenue-service/file-irs-extens...

[juham2013]

Search box on my Desktop version does not do anything.  I was supposed to get to "YES."  Typed in Extend which doesn't allow me to proceed to actually apply.

I want to file the extension ELECTRONICALLY,  but I suppose that is not possible.  Just makes using TT pointless!

[DoninGA]

Click on Federal Taxes (Personal using Home & Business)

Click on Other Tax Situations

Under Other Tax Forms

On File an extension, click on the start button

You can only print and mail the Form 4868 extension request using the desktop editions.

If you are paying federal taxes with the extension you can use the IRS payment website to pay the taxes and automatically receive an extension to file - https://www.irs.gov/payments

[juham2013]

So, I can file for the extension electronically BUT must mail the form?   Is there a Desktop version of TT that makes it unnecessary to MAIL the form?

[DoninGA]

@juham2013 Sorry, no you cannot e-file the extension request using the desktop editions.  If you want to e-file the extension your must go to the TurboTax online account.

See this for e-filing an extension request using TurboTax - https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/extensions/help/can-irs-extensions-be-e-filed/01/25884?search-acti...

[juham2013]

THANK you!

Cheers,

JJ

[jimktm]

Official TurboTax article https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/internal-revenue-service/file-irs-extens... says type "Extend" into Windows desktop TurboTax search, but that just brings up choices like "extended family leave", etc. but nothing about how to extend personal tax return.  I even tried restarting TurboTax.

DoninGA's steps list in answer just above is the only place I ever found that gives the correct instructions, and I've been searching Turbotax community posts and official help for over an hour!