Where to go in TurboTax website to efile free fed and state income tax

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 22, 2025
3 replies
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My son tax return is simple and when I use my purchased Turbox Tax Delux desktop version to file his state income tax. Turbox tax wants to charge $40 to download state tax program. Not sure there is additional charge to efile state taxes. I couldn’t find where to go in TurboTax website to access free online fed and state income tax filing.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Do you need to prepare a state return for a different state than the first free state program download? Or did you buy the Deluxe version that does not come with a free state program? Yes there is a $25 fee to efile each state return including the first one.

You can start the Online Free Edition here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

RC141Author

Level 2

My son worked in 2 states last year. 1st state does not have state income tax (WA) and the other one need to file state income tax (North Carolina). I bought deluxe version without state program. if I fill out his Fed & State income tax return and use turbotax to efile do I still need to pay to efile Fed & State income tax?

You can start the Online Free Edition here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

There is a link in NC Free file website to use 3 companies: 1040.com, Freetaxusa & OLT but those are not free when I try to file NC state income tax. I'm not sure if those companies are legit?

https://www.ncdor.gov/file-pay/efile-resources-taxpayers/nc-free-file

DoninGA

Level 15

If you purchased the TurboTax Deluxe desktop edition from a retail store, those editions come in two versions, one with the state return download included in the purchase price and one without the state program included.

Look at your box, receipt or on the retail store website to see which version you purchased. If it did not include the state program then it is $40 to add the state program. There is also a $25 e-file for the state tax return when using the TurboTax desktop editions. This charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state return.

For the Online edition your son can use the TurboTax Free online edition where the state program is also free.

Go to this TurboTax website for the Free online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

The TurboTax Free online edition is for very simple tax returns that do not require any other form or schedule other than the Form 1040. If your tax data requires entry on any other form or schedule then you must upgrade to the Deluxe edition or higher.

RC141Author

Level 2

Thank you DoninGA.

xmasbaby0

Level 15

Did you purchase a version of Desktop Deluxe that did not include a state program from a retailer? Retailers sell Deluxe both with and without state software, so you have to be careful about what you purchase. Some states do not have a state income tax, so they sell Deluxe both ways. If you buy Deluxe without a state program, it costs $40 to add a state program. And there is a $25 state e-file fee.

If you want to avoid the extra expense, try using the Free Edition online for your son's return. You will have to prepare both federal and state online. You cannot just prepare a state return by itself.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**