The Online version and the Desktop program are different and are priced differently. You can't compare Online to Desktop. The Desktop program has different features and actually more advantages than Online.
Also in the Desktop program there is a 19.99 fee to efile a state return which does increase to 24.99 the same time (March 1) the online versions increase.
And the Online prices did not "increase". The early discounted prices expired. And you can always find better prices for the Desktop CD/Download program in the stores.
