Can you file a tax extension through turbo tax

Tips to help you file an extension

  • Filing an income
    tax extension

    If you can't complete your federal tax return by the deadline, find out how and when to file an IRS extension
    and push your deadline back to October 15th.

  • How to file for an
    extension of state taxes

    While the IRS requires you to file Form 4868 for your federal extension, each state has its own requirements for obtaining a similar state
    tax extension.

  • What to do after you've
    filed an income tax extension

    Now that you've filed an extension, you might wonder what you need to do between now and when your tax return is due. We've addressed some of the
    common questions.

Frequently asked questions

You can file an extension for free through our Easy Extension website.
File a free extension

Generally, no. However, there are a few cases in which you can. Learn more

If you’re getting a federal refund, the short answer is no. However, it’s still a good idea to file an extension to protect yourself, and it’s free to do so. Learn more

It varies from state to state. If your state requires it and you’re filing with TurboTax, there’s a direct link to file an extension when you go to complete your state return. Learn more

If you filed for an extension, you’ll have until October 15 to submit your return. You don’t need to do anything extra to finish up in TurboTax. Once your return is done and you’re ready to file, we’ll guide you through the next steps. Learn more

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Updated for Tax Year 2021 • August 20, 2022 05:39 PM


OVERVIEW

If you aren't able to complete your federal tax return by the filing deadline, find out how and when to file for an IRS extension with these tips from TurboTax.


For information on the third coronavirus relief package, please visit our “American Rescue Plan: What Does it Mean for You and a Third Stimulus Check” blog post.


 

Can you file a tax extension through turbo tax

Need more time to file your 2021 tax return?

Before filing for an IRS tax extension, make sure it’s right for you. Here are a few common reasons why you may need to push your deadline back:

  • More time needed to track down missing tax documents
  • Unexpected life event
  • Life’s been too busy

If you find yourself unable to complete your 2021 federal tax return by the tax deadline, you’ll first need to file an extension with the IRS to avoid potential late-filing penalties. Filing an extension will allow you to push your deadline to October 17, 2022.

It’s important to keep in mind an extension only pushes back the due date for the filing of your tax documents. It does not give you extra time to pay any taxes you may owe. If you believe you will owe money this year, you’ll need to estimate the amount after filing for an extension and make a payment by the April filing deadline.

Easy options for filing an extension

Option 1: E-file your federal tax extension in minutes with TurboTax Easy Extension

Using TurboTax Easy Extension, you can:

    • E-file your federal extension
    • Make a payment of any tax due directly from your checking or savings account
    • Print a PDF copy of your e-filed extension
    • Receive notifications when your extension has been accepted by the IRS
    • Get easy instructions on how to file a state extension by mail

Note: Once your extension is approved, you’ll have until October 17, 2022 to file your return. If you’re expecting a refund, it will not be processed until once you have completed your tax filing. If you think you owe, the estimated amount of taxes due will need to be paid to the IRS by the April tax return filing due date.

Option 2: Print and mail your completed IRS extension form

If you’d rather mail your extension directly to the IRS, simply refer to IRS Form 4868: Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, complete and print the form, and send it to the IRS address for your state.

If you owe federal taxes, include your estimated payment with your Form 4868 and mail it—postmarked by April 18, 2022 to avoid any penalties or interest. Then complete and file your return on or before October 17, 2022.

Do you need to request a state tax extension?

State tax extension guidelines vary. To see detailed information about state extension filing deadlines and mailing addresses, select your state of interest from this state tax authority's website.

Remember, TurboTax Easy Extension can help you access the tax forms you need to file your state extension by mail.

Need to use a credit card to pay taxes owed?

If you've e-filed or mailed Form 4868 and need to pay by credit card, you can use one of several IRS approved Electronic Payment Methods. You can pay with your debit or credit card online or by phone. File your complete return by October 17, 2022.

Cautions

  • If the IRS thinks your estimate of the amount of tax you owe is unreasonable, it may disallow your extension and assess a late-filing penalty.
  • If you underestimate the amount of tax you owe, you'll likely have to pay interest and perhaps penalty on whatever amount you fail to pay by the original filing deadline.
  • If you pay less than 90% of the tax you owe, you'll end up owing a penalty of 0.5% of the underpayment every month until you pay the remaining balance. For example, if you pay $600 by the original filing deadline, but discover when you complete your return that you really owe $1,000, you will usually owe 0.5% per month on the $400 that is overdue, or about $2 a month, until you pay the full amount owed.

All you need to know is yourself

Answer simple questions about your life and TurboTax Free Edition will take care of the rest.

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Get unlimited advice and an expert final review. Done right, guaranteed.

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The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

Can you use TurboTax to file an extension?

Using TurboTax Easy Extension, you can: E-file your federal extension. Make a payment of any tax due directly from your checking or savings account. Print a PDF copy of your e-filed extension.

How much does Turbo tax charge to file an extension?

Benefits of filing an extension Filing a tax extension is free, easy and automatic: Just submit Form 4868 electronically or on paper by the filing deadline. TurboTax Easy Extension makes it easy.

Can TurboTax desktop file an extension electronically?

Unfortunately, you cannot e-file an extension using TurboTax Desktop.