Using TurboTax Easy Extension For Your Personal Taxes
Filing a Federal or State Extension
- How do I file an extension for my individual federal tax return?
- How do I find last year's AGI?
- What happens if my extension is rejected by the IRS?
- How do I file an extension for my individual state tax return?
- I don't need to file a federal extension. How do I file an extension for my state only?
- When is my state extension deadline?
Information Needed to File an Extension
- Whose names do I put on the extension form?
- What if my name changed last year?
- If I got married last year, how many extensions do we file?
- Which address do I use for my extension form?
- What if I live on a military base outside the U.S.?
- What if I have a foreign address?
Paying Taxes Owed With Your Extension
- How do I pay taxes owed in my extension?
- What dates can I use for withdrawal dates?
- Can I make installment payments?
- How do I mail a check to pay my taxes?
More Help...
- I selected "refund." Why are there all zeros on my 4868 pdf?
- After April 17, who is still eligible to use Easy Extension for tax year 2011?
- Using your Easy Extension account
- What do I do after I file the Form 4868 extension?
- I filed an extension and now I'm doing my taxes. What do I do now?
- I purchased TurboTax from the Easy Extension shopping cart. What do I do next?
- I lost my pre-paid code, how do I retrieve it?
Important: Tax extensions are an extension of time to file but NOT an extension of time to pay. If you do not pay your taxes due by the regular due date, you will owe interest and possibly penalties.
For individual tax returns, you can extend the date to file your tax return to October 15, 2012 by filing Form 4868, Application of Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. When you file Form 4868, extensions for filing income tax returns are automatic. You do not need to provide an explanation to the IRS.
If you have a balance due in your tax return, your tax payment is due April 17, 2012. The IRS allows up to six months after the filing deadline to file an income tax return. However, there are no extensions granted for tax payments. If you do not make a tax payment by the due date, the IRS charges interest and can assess penalties for all late tax payments.
TurboTax Easy Extension will allow you to electronically file your Federal Extension and pay taxes due with your checking or savings account.
To file a tax extension using TurboTax Easy Extension, click here to go to the TurboTax Easy Extension Web site
- If you are not logged into TurboTax Online and have an existing TurboTax account, log into TurboTax Online.
- If you are already logged into TurboTax Online:
- Select Federal Taxes tab > Other Tax Situations.
- In the Other Tax Forms section> under File an Extension, click the Start button to the right.
- Select File an Extension, then follow the on-screen instructions.
- If you do not have an existing TurboTax account and are not logged into TurboTax Online, click here to start.
- Indicate whether you have an existing TurboTax account or you're a new customer.
- If you are a new customer, read and agree to the terms of the license agreement.
- Click Continue.
- Tell us about you and your tax situation.
- Enter your personal information.
- In the Your 2011 Tax Info section, below your address, in the blue bar, click the arrow.
- Enter your 2011 tax information.
- If you expect to owe taxes, choose how you would like to pay the taxes you owe (mail a check, or by withdrawal from a checking or savings account). If you prefer to pay your taxes due by credit or debit card, select Mail a Check, then click here to visit the IRS Web site (you will incur a fee using these services).
- To continue in Easy Extension, follow the on-screen instructions then click Review.
- Review your entries for accuracy. If you need to change anything, click Edit. If the information is entered correctly, click Ready to File. If you are new to TurboTax, Easy Extension will ask you to register and Create Account.
- Review your account information.
- If you owe taxes, you can choose to enter your billing information to pay your taxes due.
- Click Transmit Extension Now. Your credit card will now be charged for your taxes owed and your extension will be submitted for e-filing.
- To keep a copy of the extension form you e-filed, you can download the PDF and/or print a copy for your files.You can also log into your TurboTax Online account and find your extension form under Prior Year Returns
- You can log into your Easy Extension account again at any time to check the status of your extension. Easy Extension will show you that it is either pending or it has been accepted by the IRS.
- After your file your federal extension, click on the link (at the bottom of the confirmation page) titled Start My State Extension to select form(s) to file by mail. If you only need to file a state extension and don't need to file a federal extension, go directly to your state agency Web site to download your state extension form.
Note: Guidelines for filing extensions for state income tax returns vary from state to state. When you file a federal extension form, it does not automatically extend the time that you have to file your state income tax return. Make sure that you check your state's requirements for filing extensions. If you wish to file a state extension, you must do it separately for each state you need.What happens if my extension is rejected by the IRS?
You will have five(5) days after the initial submission to fix the error and resubmit the extension. If you file your extension on April 17 and get a rejection, you have until April 22 to fix the issue and submit the extension again.
If I file an extension, do I still have to pay taxes owed by April 17?
Yes. Filing an extension doesn't extend the time for your payment of any taxes owed. Any payment due is required by the original due date of the return for which the extension is filed (April 17, 2012 for most people). To avoid underpayment penalties, you should pay at least 90% of your estimated tax due by April 17. If payment is not made, interest and additional penalties may apply.
Whose names do I put on the extension form?
If you plan to file a joint tax return this year, put your name and your spouse's name on the same extension form. Do not put a dependent on this extension. Dependents who need to file their own return, should fill out a separate extension for themselves.
What if my name changed last year?
If you changed your name after you filed your last return, due to marriage, divorce, etc., you must report this to the Social Security Administration prior to filing Form 4868 to prevent delays in processing your extension. For more information, visit the IRS page on Marriage, Divorce and Name Changes
If I got married last year, how many extensions do we file?
If you plan to file a joint return, file one extension to include you and your spouse.
Which address do I use for my extension form?
Normally you would enter your permanent mailing address, but you can enter any address to receive correspondence regarding this extension. Important: If you enter an address that is different from last year's return, it does not update your record with the IRS.
What if I live on a military base outside the U.S.?
Military personnel located outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico receive an automatic two (2) month extension to June 15, 2012, with no form required. If you need additional time to file past that date, please revisit us after April 17, 2012 to file for an additional four (4) month extension.
What if I have a foreign address?
To file a federal extension, you need to complete IRS Form 4868 and file by mail.
If you requested a filing extension through TurboTax Easy Extension, you'll receive an email acknowledgment of your extension. You can also log into your TurboTax Easy Extension account and check your status online. If you filed an extension for your state income tax return, please refer to the instructions for filing extensions for your state.
New Filing Deadline
You'll have six (6) months from the tax filing deadline of April 17, 2012 to complete and file your federal income tax return. You can still use your TurboTax desktop product or TurboTax Online to finish your income tax return during this extension period.
When you file Form 4868, you have until October 15, 2012 to complete your Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ tax return. Your extension is automatic as long as it is filed in a timely manner and includes a payment of the amount of tax that you owe.
How do I pay taxes owed in my extension?
Using TurboTax Easy Extension, you can pay by personal check or direct debit. If you are paying by direct debit, follow the instructions in TurboTax Easy Extension to enter your bank account information. If you are paying by personal check, you will receive instructions by email. You can also log back into TurboTax Easy Extension to see the instructions for mailing in your personal check.
What dates can I use for withdrawal dates?
You can use any date from the date of filing your extension to April 17, 2012. You cannot use a date past April 17, unless you are a U.S. citizen or resident with a foreign address, or overseas military, as noted above.
Can I make installment payments?
Form 4868 does not enable installment payments for the amount owed. The IRS does have a couple of ways to make installment payments, but filing your actual tax return is required. Pay what you can by April 17 and then complete your return as quickly as possible. TurboTax can help you set up installment payments with your return. For more info, read Paying Tax Through an Installment Plan.
How do I mail a check to pay my taxes?
TurboTax Easy Extension will ask you how you wish to pay the taxes you owe. At this point, select Mail a Check. Your extension will be e-filed, but you will use a printed copy of the completed Form 4868 as a payment voucher for your tax payment. Mail your payment and a copy of Form 4868 no later than April 17, 2012. The mailing address appears on your confirmation screen.
Filing Your Tax Return
Once you complete your tax return, you can either print and mail, or e-file your return on or before October 15, 2012. If you e-file your tax return and it gets rejected, you have a five(5) day grace period to correct and then re-submit the rejected e-filed federal return.
Most states use the same filing deadlines for extensions as the IRS. However, you should check your state's requirements for filing extensions to make sure.
How do I get a copy of my 4868 once I have e-filed my extension?
Log into your TurboTax Easy Extension account or your TurboTax Online account to download a PDF version of your Form 4868.
Other TurboTax Easy Extension Features
You can also use your TurboTax Easy Extension account for any of the features we have available on the TurboTax.com website. These features include:
- Accessing our e-store
- Accessing prior-year tax returns prepared online
- Accessing a copy of your 4868, if prepared through TurboTax Easy Extension
- Accessing downloads purchased previously
- Preparing your 2011 taxes with TurboTax Online
If you already have an account on TurboTax.com, please use the same account for TurboTax Easy Extension. This will conveniently keep all your information under one user ID and password.
If you did not have an account prior to using TurboTax Easy Extension, there's now one less thing to do before using TurboTax Online. Just sign in with your account: it's free to try, pay when you file!
You filed an extension, you settled your tax bill, and you’re finally ready to finish filing your taxes.
If you did not owe any taxes when you filed your extension, there's nothing more you need to include in your tax return. You can simply prepare and file your taxes as you normally would to get your refund.
If you did make a payment with your extension, include this amount in your tax return so that TurboTax doesn’t ask you to pay again.
Here's where to enter the information in TurboTax Online and Desktop ...
TurboTax Online
- Log into your return, click on the Tools button in the upper right corner, and choose Topics & Forms.
- In the pop-up box that appears, enter "Taxes Paid” and click the GO button.
- Next, TurboTax asks about your estimated tax payments; give the answer that's appropriate for your situation.
- Continue through to the Other Tax Payments screen. There, check the box Filed an extension with a payment this year and click Continue.
- On the Indicate Which Apply screen, check the box I made a payment with a federal extension for 2011… and click Continue.
- On the Payments Made With Extensions screen, check the appropriate boxes, then click Continue and enter in the amount(s) you paid (see your Form 4868).
TurboTax Desktop
- Open your return in TurboTax. In the search box (labeled with a magnifying glass icon) at the upper right, enter "Taxes Paid" and click Find.
- Next, TurboTax asks about your estimated tax payments; give the answer that's appropriate for your situation.
- Continue through to the Other Tax Payments screen. There, check the box Filed an extension with a payment this year and click Continue.
- On the Indicate Which Apply screen, check the box I made a payment with a federal extension for 2011… and click Continue.
- On the Payments Made With Extensions screen, check the appropriate boxes, then click Continue and enter in the amount(s) you paid (see your Form 4868).
If you purchased a TurboTax Online product, you will receive a prepaid code in your confirmation page and emailed to you. If you don't have your prepaid code handy when you're ready to do your tax return, just log back into TurboTax Easy Extension to find your code on your confirmation page.
Use TurboTax to finish your tax return.
- Once you're ready to finish and file, click on the Enter prepaid code link.
- Copy and paste your 13 digit code into the Prepaid Code field. Note: It was emailed to you and you can also log back into TurboTax Easy Extension to access your code.
- Click the Continue button.
After the filing deadline of April 17, 2012, these individuals are still eligible to use TurboTax Easy Extension:
- Qualifying military personnel
- U.S. citizens or residents living and working outside the U.S.
1. Qualified Military Personnel
(Stationed outside the U.S.)
You have until June 15, 2012, to file an extension.
- TurboTax Easy Extension:
- Extends your federal tax filing deadline to October 15, 2012
- Walks you through e-filing your federal tax extension (IRS Form 4868)
- Provides email confirmation when your extension is accepted by the IRS
2. U.S. Citizens or Residents Living and Working Outside the U.S.
On April 17, 2012, if you are a U.S. citizen or resident who is out of the country, you are allowed two (2) extra months — to June 15, 2012 — to file your return and pay any taxes due without requesting an extension.
Not Eligible?
Finish and file now. For most taxpayers, April 17, 2012 is the deadline to file for a tax extension. TurboTax makes it easy to finish and file now — and minimize potential IRS penalties.
