To those only who have "Preparing to ship" and ordered from AT&T (not Apple):
Which configuration did you preorder?
http://www.strawpoll.me/14261320
Back when I ordered my 6s plus I didn't pay the taxes upfront either.I’m surprised that the taxes for NEXT could be added to the bill. This would be the first year I ever remember this being an option. When I ordered on Friday I saw the option but it said only for accessories, so I opted to just pay the tax and not risk screwing something up.
It has always been taxes due up front.