I've been told by turbotax people responding here that the IRS doesn't require you to mail in the check form for your first payment if you've signed up for direct debit payment plan...
That said - It is concerning that the Turbotax software tells you MULTIPLE TIMES that the IRS requires it! (during the process when they present the 1040-V form, and once again in the "next steps" email... )
Why would they have that as part of the system, and then tell you it's not required? Very confusing.
My current theory: It might be one of those things - where the technical IRS stance is to do it, but in practice it's not required. And so Turbotax can't really tell you to skip it - but in practice it's fine.
The IRS will get the money you owe, you've filed your taxes correctly in a timely manner which is most important. They have your bank info to debit you the money you owe. They are not in a rush.
Though I get the concern completely. You don't want to rack up extra interest/fines - but you don't want to be double billed either!
I just wish Turbotax would be more clear, or step up and clarify the issue completely. The person who answered my query of the same nature, basically said I didn't have to - but with ZERO detail and basically no empathy/understanding for why I was concerned/confused whatsoever (which may just support my theory that they can't technically tell you you don't need to send it, even though it's not strictly required).
I'm sorry I don't have a perfectly clear answer for you - just wanted to reply to let you know others are in the same boat and turbotax has been very confusing on this issue.
