Why $70 for TurboTax desktop 2024 from Intuit when $55 on Amazon.

[roninshawneeKS]

Talking Desktop Deluxe here and not trying to give Intuit a hard time, well not too hard of a time, but why the price disparity between Intuit's $70 charge and the same product from Amazon for $55 - as it seems both are available early as opposed to the additional benefit for buying from Costco maybe after the 1st of the year.

Although I will ask about the same-priced subscription option Intuit offers - does anyone know if the $20 State filing fee with the auto renewal subscription (vs. $25 if doing the one-time purchase) apply to more that 1 State filings.

I have 2 State filings, and it makes the $70 charge much more palatable.

ron in shawnee

[DoninGA]

A retailer who sells a TurboTax product can sell that product for any amount they choose.  The TurboTax price is the price from the manufacturer which is $70 for the Deluxe desktop edition.

As for the state e-file fee using the Advantage subscription option of $20, it should be the same for all state e-files from the subscription.  But that is not clearly stated in the T&C's for Advantage.  But the assumption would be that it is $20, since the state e-file fee without using the subscription is $25 for all state tax returns e-filed.

[xmasbaby0]

Retailers like Amazon, etc.can price the software at whatever they like to price it at.   Intuit does not price match.  If you can find the download software at a lower price from a retailer, then purchase it at the lower price.  The software is the same.  With the desktop software there is ALWAYS a state e-file fee.   You can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state return instead of e-filing it.  And....watch what you purchase.  Sometimes they sell Deluxe without state software since some states do not have a state income tax.   If you need to prepare state returns you need Deluxe with state software.  It will include the download for ONE state of your choosing--if you need  an additional other state program, then you have to pay an extra fee for another state program--it is usually about $40 for each state program.

[VolvoGirl]

I would assume for the Advantage Subscription plan it is $20 each to efile all state returns instead of $25.   

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

So Amazon would be $55+25+25=$105

Turbo Tax Advantage $70+20+20=$110. 
Or you can print and mail state for free.

Oh but are the 2 states for the same federal return?  Are they for different states or in the same state for different people?   If you need to buy an additional state program download for $40.

[roninshawneeKS]

OK ALL-

Thanks for all of the replies.  I had pretty much decided to go with the TurboTax Advantage subscription - mainly because I wanted it early as opposed to waiting for the later possible Costco additional discount - and because of the $5 State filing discount (don't really need the additional stuff since I have the "Community", so to speak. 

The 5 Federals with 1 State is ideal for me as I help my sister with her tax return and file both of our returns electronically (same state) - which is pretty neat in that she sometimes gets her refund in less than a week.  I 

think the 2nd State charge (don't need any more) is a little high though.

And I won't bother speculating what Intuit's margin is on the copy they provide to Amazon (and others), which was part of the reason for the question (i.e. seems Intuit is leaving money on the table).

Anyway, the only other question regarding the TurboTax Advantage subscription, to be answered next year I guess, is whether the next year's price (assuming no raise in price) will be at the $80 level, or at the $70 discounted level and will the $5 State filing discount still be there (i.e. is this a new subscriber only offer).

I guess I will have to wait until next year to see how that pans out, but I am a 20+ year TurboTax guy and am all-in on the $70 subscription.  Thanks again for the replies.

ron in shawnee

[fdx12345]

I ran across this comment in Intuit help section:  "The 5 Federals with 1 State is ideal for me as I help my sister with her tax return and file both of our returns electronically (same state)".  I live with my son. Can we do both of our taxes on one download of do we have to purchase 2 copies?

[xmasbaby0]

@fdx12345 Just one download.   You can prepare and e-file up to five federal returns using that software.

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you both can do the returns on one download.   The Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 federal for free.  It is $25 to efile each state return or you can print and mail state for free.   

You can install the Desktop program on 5 computers you own.