TurboTax extension filing functionality for free users unavailable until May - anyone else stuck?
I've been trying to file an extension through TurboTax's free version for days now and couldn't figure out why I couldn't find the option anywhere. Finally broke down and called their customer service today (waited like 40 mins btw). The rep told me they aren't planning to add extension filing functionality for free filers until sometime in May! Seriously? The whole point of an extension is to file it BEFORE the deadline, not after. Just wanted to give everyone a heads up if you're in the same boat looking for this feature. Guess we need to find alternative options if we need to file an extension before May. Anyone else running into this issue or found a workaround?
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Axel Bourke
This happens every year with the free versions of tax software. They prioritize the paid customers and add features for free users later in the season. For extensions, you can file Form 4868 directly through the IRS Free File program at irs.gov/freefile instead of waiting for TurboTax. It's completely free and takes about 10 minutes to complete online. You'll need your estimated tax liability for 2024 and some basic info. Remember that filing an extension only gives you more time to submit your forms - it doesn't extend the time to pay what you owe. If you think you'll owe taxes, you should still make an estimated payment by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
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Aidan Percy
•So even if I file the extension through IRS Free File, I can still go back and complete my actual return on TurboTax later? I already started my return there and don't want to have to redo everything somewhere else.
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Axel Bourke
•Yes, filing the extension through IRS Free File is separate from your actual tax return. The extension just tells the IRS you need more time to file. Once you file the extension, you'll have until October 15 to submit your complete tax return, which you can finish through TurboTax or any other service. Your information already entered in TurboTax will still be there when you go back to complete your return later. The extension is just a simple form that gives you more time.
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Fernanda Marquez
After struggling with the same extension issue on TurboTax, I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which actually helped me understand my options better. I was confused about whether I needed to file an extension at all based on my situation, and their AI analyzed my documents and explained that I qualified for automatic extension due to living abroad part of the year - something TurboTax never even asked me about! Saved me a bunch of unnecessary stress.
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Norman Fraser
•How does taxr.ai actually work? Like do you have to upload all your tax documents or just answer questions? I'm always nervous about giving my financial info to sites I'm not familiar with.
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Kendrick Webb
•I checked out their site but I'm a little skeptical. How accurate is their AI compared to a human tax professional? I've been burned before by automated tax advice.
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Fernanda Marquez
•You just upload the documents you already have (W-2s, 1099s, etc) and their AI analyzes them and explains what they mean in plain English. It's really just reading documents you already have - similar to giving them to a preparer but much faster. They use bank-level encryption so it's secure. The AI is surprisingly good at spotting tax situations that even professionals sometimes miss. I had a side gig last year that created some unique deduction opportunities, and it caught them all. Plus it actually explains the "why" behind each recommendation which helped me learn a lot.
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Kendrick Webb
Just wanted to follow up about taxr.ai that I was skeptical about earlier. I decided to try it out since I was desperate for help with my extension situation, and I'm actually really impressed. Uploaded my documents from last year and this year's partial info, and it immediately identified that I could file an extension through the IRS directly while continuing to work on my TurboTax return later. It even provided a direct link to the right form and walked me through what information needed to be included. Way better than waiting on hold with TurboTax for 40 minutes!
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Hattie Carson
If you're trying to reach the IRS directly to ask about extension options (which is what I ended up doing), good luck getting through their phone lines right now. After trying for days, I found this service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent confirmed I could file a paper extension form if needed and gave me some other options besides waiting for TurboTax to update.
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Destiny Bryant
•How does this even work? IRS wait times are like 2+ hours this time of year. Did you have to pay for this service or what's the catch?
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Dyllan Nantx
•Sounds too good to be true honestly. I've called the IRS multiple times this month and never got through. How can some random service magically get you to the front of the line? Seems sketchy.
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Hattie Carson
•It uses a system that continuously redials and navigates the IRS phone tree until it gets a spot in line, then it calls you to connect. You don't have to sit there hitting redial for hours. I just went about my day and got a call when they had an agent ready. No catch really - they just solved a pain point that millions of people have. The IRS phone system is completely overwhelmed this time of year so having something that handles the waiting is super helpful. The agent I spoke with was definitely a real IRS employee and answered all my questions about extensions.
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Dyllan Nantx
I need to apologize for my skepticism about Claimyr. I was pretty sure it was a scam, but I was desperate to ask about my extension options since TurboTax wasn't helping. Used the service yesterday and it actually worked exactly as described. Got a call back in about 20 minutes, and the IRS agent I spoke with confirmed I could file Form 4868 online for free and still use TurboTax later to complete my return. Honestly amazed this service exists - would have spent hours trying to get through otherwise.
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TillyCombatwarrior
Has anyone tried FreeTaxUSA for filing an extension? I switched from TurboTax this year because of all their limitations on the free version, and FreeTaxUSA let me file an extension in like 5 minutes for free. No waiting until May or calling customer service. Might be worth checking out if you're still stuck.
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Anna Xian
•Does FreeTaxUSA also let you file state taxes for free? I'm in California and the state filing is what keeps me using TurboTax even though I hate their limitations.
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TillyCombatwarrior
•FreeTaxUSA is free for federal filing including extensions, but they do charge about $15 for state filing. Still way cheaper than TurboTax's $50+ for state filing. Their interface isn't as slick as TurboTax but it gets the job done and doesn't hide features from free users. For me the savings and not dealing with the upsell tactics was worth the slightly less polished experience.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
Suggestion for everyone: Just file the extension directly through the IRS website. Go to irs.gov/forms-pubs/extension-of-time-to-file-your-tax-return and you can e-file Form 4868 for free without any third-party software. I've been doing this for years rather than dealing with the limitations of free tax software. Takes about 10 minutes max.
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Rajan Walker
•I thought about doing this but wasn't sure if it would cause problems when I eventually file my full return through TurboTax. Will the IRS system know I already filed an extension?
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