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New Member
posted Mar 30, 2025 3:19:25 PM

How to select direct debit to pay federal balance in Turbotax?

I owe a balance on my 2024 federal taxes. In Section V ('Direct Deposit or Direct Debit Information') of the Turbotax Federal Information Worksheet, I checked the "Yes" box for the "Do I want to elect direct debit of federal balance due?" question. I also added my bank account information.

 

When I run my federal return check, I get this error message -- "Direct debit YES checkbox should not be checked. Only electronically filed returns are eligible for direct debit." Turbotax seems to think I want to file a paper return, when in fact I want to file electronically.

 

Any suggestions on how to tell Turbotax that I DO want to file electronically and pay my balance via direct debit, so I can correct this error? Thanks!

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1 Replies
Level 15
Mar 30, 2025 3:35:45 PM

Use the Step-by-Step interview instead of forms mode. When you go through the filing interview on the File tab you will be able to select e-filing, and then specify direct debit.