Filed an extension in April - where do I enter the payment amount on my tax return?

You actually do put your extension payment on line 26 of Form 1040. Line 26 is for all estimated tax payments AND any amount you paid with your extension request. The instructions for line 26 specify to include any amount you paid with Form 4868 (extension request). The line label might not explicitly mention extension payments anymore, but that's still where they go. The IRS combines your extension payment with any quarterly estimated payments on that same line. When you look at the detailed instructions for line 26, it clearly states to include both types of payments there. The IRS has your payment on record with your SSN/TIN, so they'll match it up as long as you include it on line 26.

After dealing with a similar issue last year, I found a really helpful tax document analysis tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me a ton of confusion. I was missing where to put my extension payment too, and their system instantly identified line 26 as the correct place for both estimated AND extension payments. The tool actually highlights the specific parts of the form instructions that explain this - something I totally missed when reading the form myself. It's like having a tax pro review your situation but way more affordable.

I was skeptical about taxr.ai but tried it anyway when I got confused about some crypto tax reporting issues. I uploaded my documents and it instantly pinpointed the exact instructions I needed. For my extension payment confusion (similar to yours), it showed me the specific line in the Form 1040 instructions that explains extension payments go on line 26. It even explained how the IRS tracks these payments internally so I understood why they combined them with estimated payments. Saved me from making an amendment later!

If you're still having trouble figuring this out or have other tax questions, I'd recommend trying to get someone from the IRS on the phone. I know it sounds impossible, but I used this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me through to an IRS agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c that shows how it works. Basically, their system navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you, then calls you once an actual agent is on the line. The agent confirmed that my extension payment should go on line 26 along with any estimated payments.

I have to admit I was totally wrong about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to talk to the IRS about my missed extension payment, so I decided to try it anyway. It actually worked exactly as advertised! I got a call back in about 20 minutes, and there was a real IRS agent on the line. I explained my situation with the extension payment, and she confirmed it goes on line 26 with any estimated payments. She even checked my account to verify my payment from April was properly recorded. Definitely beats the 3 hours I spent on hold last year only to get disconnected!

Form 1040 instructions for line 26 clearly state: "Enter any estimated tax payments you made for 2024 including any overpayment from your 2023 return that you applied to your 2024 estimated tax. Include any estimated tax payments you made with Form 4868 (extension request)." So yes, your extension payment goes on line 26. It's in the instructions. And I recommend keeping a copy of your extension payment confirmation with your tax records just in case there's ever a question.

Did you e-file your extension or mail it in? If you e-filed through tax software, when you complete your return using the same software, it should automatically include your extension payment in the calculations. That's been my experience with TurboTax and H&R Block.

Just went through this exact same situation last month! You're right that it used to be more clearly labeled on older versions of the 1040. The extension payment definitely goes on line 26 along with any estimated tax payments you made during the year. If you only made the extension payment and no quarterly estimates, just put the $2,800 on line 26. The IRS has your payment tied to your SSN from when you filed Form 4868, so they'll match it up automatically when they process your return. One tip: make sure the amount you enter matches exactly what you paid with your extension. I've seen people accidentally round numbers or include fees, which can cause processing delays. Keep your extension confirmation handy just in case!

Yes, if there's a mismatch between what you enter on line 26 and what the IRS has recorded, they'll typically send you a notice (usually a CP2000 or similar) explaining the discrepancy. However, this usually takes several months after you file your return. The good news is that these notices aren't penalties - they're just the IRS asking you to clarify or correct the difference. If you have your extension payment confirmation (whether it's an electronic confirmation number or a cancelled check), you can easily respond to any notice with that documentation. To avoid this altogether, double-check your extension payment amount before entering it on line 26. If you paid online, log into your bank account or the payment system you used to verify the exact amount. If you mailed a check, check your bank statement for the cleared amount. The IRS is pretty good about matching payments, but being precise from the start saves everyone time!

I just wanted to add my experience since I was in the exact same boat last year. After reading through all these helpful responses, I can confirm that line 26 is definitely the right place for your extension payment. What really helped me was looking at the actual Form 1040 instructions (Publication 1040) rather than just the form itself. The instructions for line 26 explicitly mention including "any estimated tax payments you made with Form 4868" which is exactly what your $2,800 payment was. One thing I learned is that even though the line says "estimated tax payments," the IRS considers your extension payment to be a type of estimated payment since you're estimating what you owe and paying it in advance of filing your actual return. It all gets sorted out when they process your return and calculate your final tax liability. Don't stress too much about it - the IRS computer systems are pretty good at matching payments to returns using your SSN, even if there are small discrepancies. Just make sure you enter the exact amount you paid ($2,800 in your case) and you should be all set!

I went through this exact same confusion two years ago and it drove me crazy! You're absolutely right that the form used to be clearer about extension payments. Line 26 is definitely the correct place for your $2,800 extension payment. What helped me understand it was realizing that from the IRS's perspective, both quarterly estimated payments and extension payments serve the same purpose - they're advance payments toward your tax liability. That's why they combined them on one line. Make sure you have your Form 4868 confirmation handy when you file, just in case there are any questions later. The IRS should automatically match your payment to your return using your SSN, but having that backup documentation gives you peace of mind. One tip: if you're using tax software, some programs will actually ask you specifically if you made an extension payment and then automatically add it to line 26 for you. But if you're doing it by hand, just enter the $2,800 on line 26 and you're good to go!