In a desktop edition that includes a state program, it is the state program download to prepare the state returns that is free. There is a 24.99 state efile fee for all state returns, except there is no efile fee for New York state. There is no fee to print, sign, and mail the state returns.
NOTE: If you efile, you will probably want to pay the fee upfront by credit/debit card to save some money. If you choose to pay that 24.99 fee out of your Federal refund, there will be an additional 39.99 service fee for that payment method (44.99 for California filers.)
