It is the state program download to prepare the state returns that is free. The state efile fee is an extra charge. Except for a New York state return, which does not have a state efile fee. There is no fee to print and mail the state returns.
The state efile fee in the desktop version (CD/download) has been present for many years. Here's a thread from 2 years ago (January 2016) regarding a 2015 return and the state efile fee:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2931865-what-is-the-efile-fee-that-turbotax-will-charge-to-file-a-...>
In early filing season the state efile fee is typically discounted to 19.99. It increased to 24.99 on March 16 when the early-season discounts on all TurboTax products expired.
