topic Re: Fees in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Fees

reh3112 — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:34:12 GMT

I just submitted my federal and state tax returns through TurboTax e-file. I have the Deluxe Version of TurboTax that had one free federal e-file and $20 to e-file with NC in 2022. However, this year they are charging $40 to submit your federal return and $25 to file your state return. There was no information about this fee until just before you e-file the returns. This information should be disclosed at the beginning of creating a return not just before you file. I feel this is a very deceptive practice and should be reported to the IRS.

Re: Fees

DoninGA — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:12:14 GMT

Using the TurboTax desktop editions you have 5 free federal tax return e-files included with the program,

There is a state e-file charge which is currently $25 after the March 1 price increase to the standard fee from early filing fee of $20.

The reason you see the $40 charge is that you selected to have the TurboTax fees, which would be the state e-file charge, paid from your federal tax refund instead of paying the fee with a credit or debit card.

You were shown this screen -

Go back and start the File section again and you will come to a screen detailing your charges. Select to remove the pay with refund fee. Then pay the $25 state e-file fee with a credit card.

Or if you do not want to pay the fee then select to print and mail the state tax return to avoid the fee.

Re: Fees

SteamTrain — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:05:13 GMT

1) The state e-file fee is $20 before March 1 and $25 after. This is disclosed in some of the ** squint print about filing state before 1 March for the $20 to be used.....but seeing that notice may depend on exactly where and how you bought your software.....form TTX, at the store..or on Amazon etc. BUT, that $20-$25 date change has been in effect every year, for at least 15 years now.

2) ~~I suspect the $40 was because somehow you added Audit protection..~~..[[OK: apparently not Audit Protect...that may have been bumped to $45 now.]]

______Added Later

3) Oh yeah, as @DoninGA noted, always the fee to pay the software fee with your federal refund !!

SO IT COSTS YOU $40 MORE TO PAY THE $25 state efile fee. NEVER select That !!!

Re: Fees

DoninGA — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:37:12 GMT

@SteamTrain Just was going through a test return using desktop and noticed the Audit Defense charge has bumped up to $45. And the return was not a California return. Looks like the March 1 price increase also affected Audit Defense.