How to Request an Extension on TurboTax

The mid-April tax deadline can feel stressful, but if you're not ready to file, you have a straightforward option. Requesting a tax filing extension is a standard procedure that gives you an extra six months to submit your return to the IRS. This guide will walk you through exactly how to file an extension using TurboTax, what deadlines to remember, and how to handle any taxes you might owe.

What a Tax Extension Really Means (It's For Filing, Not Paying)

Before we jump into the steps, it’s vital to understand what an extension does and does not do. Filing an extension moves your filing deadline from April 15 to October 15 (these dates can shift slightly if they fall on a weekend or holiday). This gives you more time to gather your documents—like stray W-2s, 1099s, or K-1s—and complete your paperwork accurately without rushing.

Here’s the part everyone needs to remember: an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.

The IRS still expects you to pay an estimate of your total tax liability by the original April deadline. If you file an extension but fail to pay what you owe, the IRS will charge you penalties and interest on the unpaid balance. The penalty for failure to pay is 0.5% of the unpaid taxes for each month or part of a month that the taxes remain unpaid, capped at 25% of your unpaid liability.

Because of this, filing an extension should always involve two steps: formally requesting the extension and paying as much of your estimated tax bill as possible.

How to File an Extension using TurboTax Online or CD/Download

TurboTax simplifies the extension process, guiding you through filing IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The experience is slightly different depending on whether you use the online version or the desktop software.

Filing with TurboTax Online

The online version offers an "Easy Extension" product that is often free to file (though you may have to pay if you also need to file state extensions). Here is the usual process:

1. Sign In to Your Account: Log in to your TurboTax account. If you haven't started your 2023 return yet, the system may prompt you. If you have, you'll see a screen showing your return's status. Look for a link or option that says "file an extension." It's often located in the main menu or in a section dedicated to tax filing steps.

2. Confirm Your Information: The software will ask you to review your basic personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. Make sure everything on this screen is accurate, as it must match IRS records exactly for your extension to be accepted.

3. Estimate Your Tax Liability: This is the most important part of the process. TurboTax will walk you through a series of questions to figure out your approximate income and tax situation for the year. To get a reasonable estimate, you'll need at least some of your key documents:

   • Pay stubs to estimate total wages (if you don't have your W-2).
   • Last year’s tax return for recurring income, deductions, and credits.
   • Records of any estimated tax payments you already made.
   • Information on other income sources like freelance work, investments, or rental properties.

   You don't need final totals, but the closer your estimate is, the better you can avoid underpayment penalties. The goal here is honesty and a good-faith effort. TurboTax uses these inputs to calculate your estimated tax due.

4. Make a Payment: Once you have your estimated tax liability, TurboTax gives you several ways to pay what you owe. The most common is a direct debit from your bank account, which is processed for free. Alternatively, you can pay with a credit or debit card, but be aware there's a third-party processing fee for this service. You also always have the option to visit the IRS Direct Pay site yourself and pay directly from a bank account, separating the payment from your TurboTax filing. If you expect a refund, you still need to file the extension, but you won't need to make a payment.

5. E-File Your Extension: Once you've reviewed the information, TurboTax will electronically file Form 4868 with the IRS for you. You should receive an email confirmation from both TurboTax and the IRS within a day or two letting you know your extension has been accepted. Keep a copy of this confirmation for your records.

Filing with TurboTax CD/Download Desktop Software

The desktop software workflow is very similar, though the navigation differs.

1. Open the Software: Launch your TurboTax software and open your tax return (or start a new one).
2. Find the Extension Form: Navigate through the software's interview process. There is usually a section asking if you're ready to file. If you indicate you're not, you will likely be offered the option to file an extension. Alternatively, you can often go into the "Forms" mode to find Form 4868 directly and fill it out from there.
3. Complete the Steps: Just like the online version, the software will have you confirm personal details and walk you through estimating your income, deductions, and tax liability for the year.
4. Print or E-file: The desktop software gives you a choice. You can E-file the extension (recommended) or you can print Form 4868 and mail it to the IRS. If you mail it, make sure it is postmarked by the tax filing deadline. If you owe money, you'll also print and send a payment voucher (Form 4868-V) with an accompanying check.

A Special Note on State Tax Extensions

Filing a federal extension does not automatically file a state extension. Each state with an income tax has its own rules, and you are responsible for handling that separately.

• Some states have automatic extensions. In some states, if the IRS approves your federal extension, your state automatically grants one as well. Check your state's tax agency website.
• Some states require a separate form. Many states require you to file their unique extension form, much like the federal Form 4868.

When you file a federal extension, TurboTax will typically ask if you also need to file for your state and guide you through that process. If your state requires a separate form, the software can help you prepare and file it. Do not assume your federal extension covers your state obligations unless you have explicitly confirmed it.

Common Questions About Filing a Tax Extension

Here are answers to a few questions people often ask about the extension process.

Does filing an extension increase my audit risk?

No, this is a very common myth. Filing an extension is a normal part of the modern tax system that millions of taxpayers use every year. The IRS does not view it as a red flag, and it does not affect your chances of being selected for an audit. Being accurate and honest on your tax return is what truly matters.

What happens if I overpay when I file my extension?

If you overestimate your tax bill and pay too much to the IRS by the April deadline, don't worry. When you finally complete and file your return by the October deadline, the overpayment will be reconciled. You can choose to have it applied to next year's estimated taxes or receive it as a refund, just like any other tax refund.

Can I still contribute to my IRA or HSA after April 15?

This is another crucial rule to know. A filing extension does not extend the deadline for contributions to an IRA, Roth IRA, or a Health Savings Account (HSA) for the previous tax year. Those contributions must still be made by the original April tax due date.

What if I don't file an extension or a return at all?

Failing to either file a return or an extension by the deadline is a bad idea, especially if you owe tax. The IRS charges a Failure to File penalty, which is 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month your return is late, capped at 25%. This penalty is much steeper than the Failure to Pay penalty, so at the very least, you should file an extension to avoid it.

Final Thoughts

Filing a tax extension through TurboTax is a simple way to give yourself the extra time you need to file an accurate and complete return. The key is to remember that while the deadline to file gets moved to mid-October, the deadline to pay any tax you owe remains in mid-April. By making a reasonable good-faith estimate and payment, you can avoid penalties and give yourself peace of mind.

While software makes compliance easier, difficult client questions about payment options, state nexus, or specific forms can turn a simple task into a complicated research project. We built Feather AI to help accountants and tax professionals get instant, source-backed answers to these very questions. You can spend less time searching IRS documents and more time providing your clients with the confident, strategic guidance they count on.