The online versions include Efiling. The fee is to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail.
Online and Desktop are priced differently. And no you can not switch between them. They are totally separate. The only thing you can do is move an Online return to the Desktop program to continue. But not the other way around. Oh, but you can transfer from the prior year into either version.
In the Desktop CD/Download program
You get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns. Some people need to file in more than one state so they have to buy another state program.
Then each state return (including the first one) is $20 to efile, usually goes up to $25 March 1. Or you can print and mail state for free.
No, you can not do Federal in the Desktop program and then state online. You can only efile state if the federal was efiled from the same program or account.
