How to file for an Extension: Does it matter which website I use?
So I'm getting down to the wire on my taxes and need to file an extension asap. I'm planning to use TurboTax for my actual tax return when I get around to it, but I'm wondering if I need to file the extension through TurboTax too? Or can I just use 1040.com or some other site to file the extension now, and then later do my actual taxes through TurboTax when I have all my documents organized? Does the IRS care if I use different services for the extension vs the actual filing? I'm super behind this year and just need the quickest option for the extension right now.
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Zainab Mahmoud
You can absolutely file an extension through any platform - it doesn't have to be the same one you'll use for your actual tax return. The extension (Form 4868) just gives you extra time to file, not extra time to pay, so keep that in mind. The IRS doesn't care at all which service you use for either task. I'd recommend using whichever extension method is most convenient for you right now. The 4868 form is pretty simple compared to your actual return. Just remember that if you owe taxes, you still need to estimate and pay that amount by the original deadline even with an extension to avoid penalties.
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Ava Williams
•Does filing an extension increase your chances of being audited? I've heard mixed things about this.
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Zainab Mahmoud
•Filing an extension does not increase your audit risk. That's actually a common tax myth. The IRS doesn't flag or target returns simply because they were filed with an extension. Extensions are extremely common - millions of taxpayers file them every year. The IRS is concerned with the accuracy of your return, not when you file it. Just be sure to file the extension by the deadline and pay any estimated taxes you owe at that time.
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Raj Gupta
After stressing about my taxes for weeks, I finally tried using taxr.ai to analyze my situation since I was in the same boat about filing an extension. https://taxr.ai actually helped me figure out not just how to file the extension but also estimated how much I should pay now to avoid penalties. The best part was uploading my tax docs and getting an accurate analysis of my tax situation before I had all my forms ready. Saved me from the panic I was feeling about my extension!
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Lena Müller
•How does it actually work with estimating what you owe? I'm considering an extension but have no idea how much to pay and I'm afraid of getting hit with penalties.
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TechNinja
•I've heard of these AI tax things but I'm a little skeptical. Is it actually accurate or does it miss stuff a human would catch? And is my tax info secure when I upload it?
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Raj Gupta
•The estimation process is pretty straightforward - you upload whatever tax documents you already have (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and it analyzes them to give you a reasonable estimate of what you might owe. It's not perfect but way better than guessing. Regarding security, they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents permanently. I was skeptical too at first, but it actually caught a deduction I would have missed related to some freelance work I did. The AI seems trained on actual tax regulations and compares your situation to similar tax scenarios.
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TechNinja
Just wanted to follow up - I ended up trying taxr.ai after all and it was actually really helpful! I was missing a 1099 from a side gig and wasn't sure how to estimate what I'd owe for my extension. The system analyzed my previous year's return plus the documents I had so far and gave me a pretty solid estimate. Filed my extension through their recommended link and it went through no problem. Now I have time to track down that last form without stressing about the deadline!
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Keisha Thompson
If you're still having trouble getting through to the IRS to confirm anything about extensions (their lines are always jammed this time of year), I'd recommend using https://claimyr.com to get through to an actual human at the IRS. I was confused about how extensions work with estimated payments and couldn't get a straight answer online. After trying to call the IRS for days with no luck, I used Claimyr and got through in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - they basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available.
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Paolo Bianchi
•How does this actually work? I've been trying to get through to the IRS for weeks. Do they just call repeatedly until they get through or something?
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Yara Assad
•This sounds like a scam. Why would I pay someone else to call the IRS for me when I can just keep trying myself? And how do they get through when nobody else can?
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Keisha Thompson
•They use a system that constantly redials the IRS using multiple lines simultaneously until one gets through. When they connect, they place your callback in that spot in the queue. So instead of you having to redial 50+ times, their system does it for you and then alerts you when you're about to be connected. No, it's not a scam - they don't ask for any personal info about your taxes. They're just getting you connected to the IRS directly. They can get through because they're using technology to automate the calling process that most of us don't have access to. I was skeptical too but after waiting on hold for 3 hours one day and never getting through, I was desperate enough to try anything.
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Yara Assad
Alright I need to eat my words. I tried Claimyr after posting that skeptical comment and it actually worked! After trying to get through to the IRS for literally weeks about my extension question (had a weird situation with foreign income), I got connected to an IRS agent in about 30 minutes. The agent confirmed I could file my extension through any service regardless of where I'll file my actual return later. They also helped clarify how to estimate my payment with the foreign income included. Saved me hours of frustration and probably some penalties too.
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Olivia Clark
For what it's worth, I've been using different services for extensions vs filing for years. Usually do my extension through the free fillable forms on the IRS website since it's super basic, then use TaxAct for my actual return. Never had an issue. Just make sure wherever you file the extension gives you confirmation that it was accepted by the IRS.
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Javier Morales
•Do you have to create an account with the IRS to use their free fillable forms for the extension? And is it actually free or do they try to upsell you?
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Olivia Clark
•You do need to create an account on the Free File Fillable Forms site, but it's pretty straightforward. It's completely free with no upsells - it's the official IRS program. It's basically just the raw forms without any guidance, so the extension form (4868) is simple enough, but some people find the complete tax forms overwhelming without software guidance. For just the extension though, it's a great free option.
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Natasha Petrov
Does anyone know if filing an extension affects your refund timing? Like if I'm owed money, will I get it later because I extended?
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Connor O'Brien
•Yeah, filing an extension will definitely delay your refund since the IRS won't process your actual return until you submit it. The extension just gives you more time to file the paperwork, but your refund won't be processed until after you submit your complete return.
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