File Extension from Desktop Version

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
March 26, 2025
5 replies
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Why can't I file an Extension from Turbo Tax Desktop? Why am I forced to have multiple accounts with multiple sets of information to do this simple procedure? Seems like a great way to get erroneous data onto my tax return.

Turbo Tax is pretty expensive now. This should be a built in feature of the program.

TurboTax Home & Biz Windows

JohnB5677

You can use this TurboTax website to file the extension

Free federal tax extension

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WapellaTaxQuestionsAuthor

Yes, of course, I know that. But then we have two sets of books going on with the possibility of error and typos.

Why doesn't Turbo Tax keep this all within one system to prevent errors?

JohnB5677

See TurboTax Desktop in How do I file an IRS tax extension?

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ef151ffe

You can use Desktop TT to file an extension. I just did it.

Open Forms, type "4868" in the search bar, and open the form. Check/confirm the info, and then hit the "Print Center" button on the top right. It will ask if you want to save a PDF, or preview a print copy.

WapellaTaxQuestionsAuthor

You don't really need Turbo Tax to submit paper forms to the IRS.

I am looking for a fully enclosed electronic system of managing tax information that does not involve mailing papers to the IRS. There is no reason that Intuit cannot include that. They have 1000 other features. Why not 1001?

I don't want to keep a second set of books. I want all my tax information on the same platform. Not one paper and one electronic platform.

packman

Employee

YES!! I have the same beef with Intuit. The whole point of buying the desktop version is that I don't want my tax paperwork online. I want to maintain it all in one place and one place only - my computer. The Intuit software allows me to actually file my taxes using this method - my computer - but it doesn't allow me to file for extension using my computer. The only options are to use the online software (as mentioned - then there are two separate sets of books), or via snail mail (archaic).

Even the IRS form itself shows three options for filing an extension - one of them being "E-File using your Tax Software". Well - except TurboTax desktop simply does not support that.

A glaring hole in the software.

psberg0306

I'm going to have to agree that OP has it right. I tried to file for an extension on Form 4868 for 2024. There is no way on TTax to do it electronically. You have to MAIL it in. With snail mail, figure on a minimum of 1 week to get there (I'm in Hawaii). It's just a hassle and one never knows whether the IRS even received the extension request. It doesn't particularly disturb me that I have to mail it in, because I have pre-figured my taxes and know I will receive a sizable refund.

TTax has an online lure where they claim you can file an extension for free by going to their website. But once you are informed that you can file for an extension, they want to sell you a TTax program! This is really ridiculous.

WapellaTaxQuestionsAuthor

@turbotax @intuit

Does anyone from Turbotax/Intuit even monitor these boards? Seems like a pretty straightforward feature request. You have 10,000 other features. Why not allow filing an extension from the desktop version?

andrewc123

Intuit are you reading this? Part of why I purchased TT desktop was to be able to file for an extension easily after I figure out what I owe. I've done it in past years. Not anymore apparently. Next year I'll be going to TaxCut HRBlock. If you want my continued business then email me that you've fixed this.

Fabri-geek

>Intuit are you reading this?

Obviously not, as this has been an issue (and ongoing complaint) for multiple years. And all the replies from the "Employee Experts" only turn up the volume on just how tone-deaf Intuit has become.

>Part of why I purchased TT desktop was to be able to file for an extension easily after I figure out what I owe.

I ended up going to the IRS and using one of their free partners. Enter my info & three numbers: What I expect to owe, what I've paid, and what I'm paying with my "eFile for extension".

I'm a longtime customer of TT as well. And with our home business, one who has literally paid thousands to Intuit over the many years of running our business. And each year, it's the same old shortcomings. The problems remain. Maybe a new font, a slightly more polished interface. But the same confusing sequence of questions.

> Next year I'll be going to TaxCut HRBlock.

Maybe we all should...

blessed614

Because youre using software meant for one person. If you want to file extensions for several people, buy the pro series. The desktop allows you to file for family members in your home, but its not meant for any more. They only allow 5 efiles in case you get rejected too. Not for doing business for others.