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Level 4

Question

Desktop vs online cost for two states

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
February 2, 2022
1 reply
9 views

If filing for two people and each have two state returns, is TurboTax desktop vs online better and cost for state and efile fees?

TurboTax Home & Biz Windows

Level 15

Desktop will be more cost effective unless the two people have such simple returns that you can use the Free Edition for them.

With online software you pay separately for each federal and each state return---so for two people and two different states that will add up.

Every version of desktop has all the forms and schedules. You can get Deluxe with one specific state of your choosing for about $40 from Costco or Amazon right now---and the second "other" state costs about $40.

With desktop software --although you get the state preparation----you get charged an extra $20 to e-file a state return but you can avoid the state e-file fee by printing and mailing the state returns.

**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.**

Twostates Author

Level 4

Do you know if certain states like NY offer free efile for the desktop version?

if using the desktop software, is there a way to view the return later via the TurboTax website or only via desktop?

Level 15

There is no fee to e-file NY.

When you use desktop software the tax file is not stored online --- it is saved only on your own hard drive or any back up device you use.

**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.**