Form 4868 Extension: Overprinted "DO NOT FILE"

[Bruce Binder]

When I go to print my extension showing $0.00 will be due, the form has "DO NOT FILE" printed all over it.

How do I get the "DO NOT FILE" to stop being printed? Do I need to show a refund or that I will owe some amount?

Thanks for any help on this.

[Mike9241 · Accepted solution]

apparently, Turbotax hasn't yet updated the form so it can't be filed thru TT at this time.

Freefile (e-file it) is now closed. as of now, there is a range of when e-filing will open  - between 1/15 and 2/15

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free 

you can paper file the form

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4868.pdf 

[DianeW777]

No, you do not need to show that.  Use the link below to see how to print your Form 4868. This answer assumes you want to print a 2020 form because the current year is not yet available.

• How do I print my 4868 extension form after e-filing it through TurboTax Easy Extension?

• When will federal forms be available?

[Critter-3]

Good grief ... it is only 1/6  and you are already trying to file an extension that is not due until 4/18???   

That form will be ready in March ... come back then. 

[Critter-3]

Or here is the form from the IRS if you must mail it sooner :  https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-4868

[fanfare]

DO NOT FILE is a warning to you that the form is PRELIMINARY. You should heed it.

[paultrue77]

TT prints "DO NOT FILE" when return is not finished but a  common reason someone is filing a 4868 extension is likely because they are not finished. Huge apparent oversight on Intuits part. I paper filed from online form but super frustrating and shakes confidence and satisfaction in program. Please code in an exception to the "DO NOT FILE" for forms such as extensions and estimated vouchers that need to be filed before return is complete. 

[Critter-3]

2022  extensions and estimated payment  forms  are not needed prior to 3/15  and the IRS will not be ready to process either until at least march 2022 so either wait for the program to release those forms  OR  get them off the IRS/state web sites if you need them earlier.  

If you need the 4th quarter of the 2021 estimated payment form then here it is :    https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040es.pdf

[paultrue77]

Thanks for your time to respond. Why not just make the program work correctly and not watermark  forms which would need to be filed prior to the return being finished? It is not uncommon for taxpayers who's tax situations make yearly extensions a regular event to want to do so proactively. Are you indicating that at some date prior to April 15 the watermark will be removed? My assumption was that it was a programming problem that was placing the useful watermark on inappropriate documents.

[fanfare]

@paultrue77 

For some reason, TurboTax wants to discourage you from filing 4868 early.

===

Do you have an estimate of tax due on April 18th? You are expected to make a payment with your request.

===
You don’t need to file Form 4868 if you make a payment using the IRS
electronic payment options. Your extension will be automatically
processed when you pay  all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or using a credit or debit card. Your extension is then automatically granted and you will receive a confirmation number for your records.

[Critter-3]

TT discourages it because the IRS doesn't want 2022 estimates before the 4th quarter 2021 estimates are paid ... it is too easy for the user to send the wrong form by accident or to have the wrong tax year credited.  

According to the charts the 1040-ES are due out 2/17 and the 4868 on 2/3 :

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/forms/help/irs-forms-availability-table-for-turbotax-individual-pe...

[fanfare]

@Bruce Binder 

"my extension showing $0.00 will be due"

If you will not have tax due on April 18th, there is no reason to file for an extension of time.

There is no penalty for filing after April 18 if you get a refund.

Any action or rule that is qualified "including extensions", is available to you as long as you meet the extended deadline, even if you did not file Form 4868.

[paultrue77]

Thanks for the input and good point. Unfortunately yes I owe estimated tax and mail vouchers with a check. I have 4 amended Federal returns open between business and personal and simply wanted to get a jump on having my extensions in place for the current year. I did them manually.

[paultrue77]

It would be nice to see a warning to that effect and an override to be able to use the form but this is a really good answer. Thank you!

[fanfare]

Form 1040-ES for estimated taxes payments has nothing to do with a request for extension of time to file Form 4868.