File Extension from Desktop Version

[user17743877719]

My problem (as I think I said), is that YOU CAN NOT file an   extension from turbotax desk top version electronically,  which you would know if you even read the instructions that was in yours and others suggestions! It is so asinine  and unbelievable in todays electronic world. I sent them by mail even though I did not want to.

Just turbotax run around that waists our

time just to try to figure out if it can be done.  Turbotax just dont give a hood about their customers - period

Jorgen

[blessed1469]

https://turbotax.intuit.com/irs-tax-extensions/   This is NO different than if you did so via desktop. They could insert this link if it made it easier. But it is the same account you use to file. 

[user17752394338]

The instructions don't work for the desktop version

[user17752394338]

So I called the help desk. For the desktop app, the help screens are wrong. The help desk also has wrong information. You can't file an extension electronically. You can by print. When you first sign in, before you open your return, on the lower right it says to file an extension. It only works to print though. I thought there were more professional, but that's pretty poor for such a large software company. We pay for this. 

[jblazar]

I am confused.  I have filed extensions from the desktop version of TurboTax many times including this year. It was very straightforward.

[jblazar]

I filed them electronically.

[WapellaTaxQuestions]

Didn't work last time I checked (a month ago).

It prompts you to print out a form and mail it in, equivalent to keeping two sets of books, which is a terrible accounting practice.

Please tell us how you did it electronically, and we can do that same.

[user17752394338]

The help desk supervisor said it cannot be filed electronically with the desktop app, only online. 

[blessed1469]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to provide some clarification regarding why the desktop version directs users to other methods for extensions.

The IRS limits desktop software to five federal e-files per license to prevent fraud. Since an extension is technically a separate filing, Intuit directs users to online tools to avoid using up these limited e-file slots on a simple extension form.

To assist with this, Intuit provides a separate, free web tool called TurboTax Easy Extension specifically for electronic filing of federal extensions. This is intended to preserve your e-file limits for your full tax returns and 

 should be seen as a benefit.

[SterlingSoul]

When attempting to file an extension, why does TT state that we are agreeing to have our tax return submitted.  

My only goal is to file an online extension -- something that previous version of TT offered easily; now the auto extension is not even listed as being available in the Desk Top version.. 

I have no interest in agreeing to transmit my return at the present time.

[mesquitebean]

---

@ SterlingSoul wrote:

When attempting to file an extension, why does TT state that we are agreeing to have our tax return submitted.  My only goal is to file an online extension -- something that previous version of TT offered easily; now the auto extension is not even listed as being available in the Desk Top version.. I have no interest in agreeing to transmit my return at the present time.

---

That online extension screen at EasyExtension that says your return will be submitted is indeed scary, but according to a TurboTax forum expert, it only files the extension, is badly worded and misleading, but won't be corrected until after filing season, unfortunately.  You can see the discussion in this other thread:

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/extension-verbiage-indicates-taxes-are-being-file...

A couple of users there went ahead and tried, and they say it correctly submitted just their extension.   If you are uneasy about continuing with that screen, there are alternatives.  IMHO, it's easier and faster to file an extension request at the IRS website and pay the expected tax due there.

You can file an extension request at the online IRS website a couple of ways:

• You can go to https://www.irs.gov/payments   and choose to pay your expected taxes due toward a Form 1040, and for reason choose "extension", and you can pay directly from your bank account (or by debit/credit card.) Choose the correct tax year. Print out your confirmation.
• Or if you have an online IRS account, you can sign into your online account at the IRS and then go to the payments section to pay your expected taxes due.   Again, you will have a form where you can choose "extension" as the reason for the payment.

NOTE:  There is no fee if you pay directly from your bank account.  There are fees for debit and credit card.  The card fee can be hefty if your tax payment is large.

[jblazar]

My memory was wrong. It's good I checked because I hadn't sent in the file extension request. Sorry for the mixup.

[ajum]

This was a simple question when you finished putting in all your tax information (do you wish to file for an extension).  Why this is no longer a prompt in Turbo Tax 2025, I do not understand?  Why do I have to spend 45 minutes looking through message boards to find out there is a form 4868 to find to file this is not helpful?  And the new help function BLOWS - why are my only options when you click on help you are limited to 3 options and if you want to ask anything else, you are out of luck?  Why did all this have to be removed from the Desktop version of Turbo Tax... considering it is $130, it seems like a simple function to include (functions should be improved, not removed from year to year)??!!  I am half tempted to go to H&R Block's product to do my taxes next year...

[user17752394338]

Exactly. Well said. 

[peter941]

there is no 'search topics' and nothing about extensions in the topic list