My Refund

[Plbrewer]

I started my tax return with Turbo (supposedly free).. found out they were going to charge me $119 to file.  I backed out of that process and searched for another app to use through the IRS website.  They sent me to Efile.com. I processed my taxes through them and they never showed any fees due. Today I received my refund via direct deposit from TPG PRODUCTS SBTPG LLC and it is $119 less than expected.  I'm on a limited income and really needed that money. That's why I didn't complete the filing through Turbo to begin with. I'm going back to my accountant. He only charges $40. 

[Critter-3]

You will have to review your paperwork thru efile.com to see what you signed up to use and the fees they charged.    TPG PRODUCTS SBTPG   is not only used by TT ... they provide most of the refund processing services for many of the tax program out there. 

Going forward... if you qualify (for 2021 your AGI had to be $73K or less)  use one of the IRS FREE FILE options that you can only get by going thru the IRS link here :   https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

[NCperson]

another option is checking AARP or VITA in your local community.  Both provide free tax services under an IRS program.  Neither has an age requirement.  VITA has an income requirement of less than $58,000 but AARP has no income requirement.  

There are program requirements, so they focus on simpler returns: social security, pensions, W-2s, most 1099-nec forms, IRA distrubtions, capital gains, dividends, interest, etc.  

the service is free and offered during tax seasion only. 

[xmasbaby0]

Help for elderly taxpayers   Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA

Income below $58,000

https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1543/

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

[fanfare]

@Plbrewer 

"I backed out of that process"

Sounds like you did not back out.

"Efile.com. I processed my taxes through them "

Did you get ACCEPTED message from Efile.com? probably not.

"IRS website.  They sent me to Efile.com"

Efile.com is not on the IRS Free File program provider list.

----

visit the IRS at https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

to find truly free filing. Note that some include free state as well; that's important.

[NCperson]

@xmasbaby0 - note that VITA is not only help for elderly taxpayers - it's open to taxpayers of ANY age, as long as the income is generally less than $58,000.  AARP doesn't have the income qualifier, but the types of returns both programs can administer is effectively the same.

As I noted above, there are limitations on the types of tax returns it can process under the program, but they are able to handle all the 'simple stuff' - w-2s, most 1099-NEC forms, pensions, iRA distributions, rollovers, most all 1099-Rs, 1099-B's.  Anything related to child tax benefits, EITC, EIP, student loan interest, etc. is also part of the program.

When it gets 'complicated' - rental property, bit coin sales, LLCs, partnerships, larger self-employed situations (expenses greater than $35,000)  etc, that is where TT or a tax accountment are better alternatives.