topic Re: Free state return?? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Free state return??

weigeljl — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:22:41 GMT

I need help accessing the free state return that came with my Turbotax desktop purchase. I had clicked "Use my free state return" by mistake (and with Turbotax's constant badgering) on a return that didn't need to have a state return filed. I called last week and the rep told me how to delete the state return from the file and promised me that I would still have access to the free state return, but it seems I don't. I tried to call back to discuss getting access to it but gave up and have my fingers crossed for this forum.

Re: Free state return??

VolvoGirl — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:44:47 GMT

It doesn't work that way. That's not what it means. In the Desktop program you get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns. Then each state return (including the first one) is $20 to efile, goes up to $25 March 1. Or you can print and mail state for free.

Re: Free state return??

VolvoGirl — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 22:47:51 GMT

Or did you download the wrong state for the free state?

If you downloaded the wrong state you have to call in. How to delete a state return,

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/installing/help/what-if-i-accidentally-downloaded-the-wrong-state-program/00/25987

Re: Free state return??

walton12321 — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 01:52:17 GMT

It's more like Turbo Tax picks the wrong state. I live in a no income tax state. I bought the version with the free state included. When I clicked "Use your free state now.", Turbo Tax selected a state without my input. Either fix the option to say Turbo Tax will pick the state when you click the link or give people the opportunity to pick the state when the link is clicked.

Now Turbo Tax wants me to pay $45 for the free state download that I paid them for.

Re: Free state return??

user17661629884 — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:51:36 GMT

How do you "call it in?" What's the number to call if you downloaded the wrong state and need to remove it to download the correct state for FREE (first state is included in the license for the version of TurboTax Deluxe for Mac that I purchased).

Re: Free state return??

VolvoGirl — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:53:13 GMT

How to contact Turbo Tax
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991

Re: Free state return??

LDSmith — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:54:45 GMT

I am just hitting the same problem, I think. My daughter moved to Washington state for a new job, but has a tiny bit of income earned while in college in our state. TT opens a box stating that I need to pay $45 for the state filing. Her return is very simple in the original state, so I was planning to just print and mail it in. Washington, of course, doesn't require a state return. So, why would I need to pay $45 when my order clearly states

TURBOTAX DESKTOP PREMIER TAX YEAR 2025 WIN DOWNLOAD WITH STATE ?

Re: Free state return??

JotikaT2 — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:38:56 GMT

In order to qualify for TurboTax Free, specific requirements must be met. Was your daughter paid as an employee with a W-2 form? If so, as long as she doesn't have any other credits that are not supported under the free edition, she should be able to use that program.

However, if she was paid as an independent contractor and paid on a 1099-NEC form, she would have additional forms (Schedule C and self-employment taxes) that need to be completed as part of her tax return.

Please see what qualifies as a simple tax return for TurboTax Free Edition for details on which returns would qualify.

@LDSmith

Re: Free state return??

LDSmith — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:44:22 GMT

My daughter is a W-2 employee with a small inherited investment account (so 1099B, 1099DIV income).

The problem is not which Federal form or TT version, I've always been able to use my TT Premier desktop version and use that for her filing.

I have her Federal return mostly done and was moving on to the State return preparation. When starting the State return, I was asked to pay a $45 fee to access the State forms even though my order says TT Premier Desktop State download is included. I am planning to print her return and mail it in, although do understand that a small e-filing additional charge would be incurred if I chose to submit online. This is separate from the $45 fee I was prompted to pay.

I was able to complete the original state return by starting over in the State section and selecting that state. I simply ignored Washington (for which no filing is need and is supposed to be free anyway).