topic Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

azenz0789 — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:34:53 GMT

Purchased Turbo Tax 2025 Deluxe Desktop which allows for 5 free Federal efiles. Tried to eFile one and after it says you are almost ready to file, the next screen says "How would you like to pay" - only option is pay with card for $40 or Pay with Federal Refund. How do you fix this. I am not paying to efile Federal, when it is free. I have screen shots of this, who can I send these to? Thank you.

Re: Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

VolvoGirl — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:49:56 GMT

It probably thinks you want to efile a state return. OR you might be in the Online version instead of the Desktop program. Are the menu tabs going down the left side in a black or grey bar? That is Online. The Desktop program has the menu going across the top in a blue bar.

Did you get the Desktop program installed and Activated with the 16 digit License Code? The only fee in the Desktop program would be the $25 to efile a state return or you can print and mail state for free. You can pay the state efile fee upfront with a credit card or have it deducted from a refund for an Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California).

Re: Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

azenz0789 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:25:39 GMT

Hello - yes, I did purchase the Turbo Tax 2025 Deluxe Desktop version and did receive a license key. I do have the tabs across the top, so I know that I should be able to eFile 5 Federal returns for free and then pay $25 to file the State returns. When I tried eFiling my Federal Return, it only allowed me to either pay $40 with card or deduct from the Refund. I backed out of this screen. I have never seen this before with the Deluxe version. It looks like a gliche. How do I fix this so that I can complete my taxes? Thank you.

Re: Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

cheryldon5 — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:31:20 GMT

the download version tries to make you pay 40 for expedited money return. you tell no thanks and it takes you n over to the free efile. the one i have does not have the blue bar across the top but should have the five free efiles but i cant find where to make a new return.

Re: Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

DoninGA — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:35:24 GMT

@cheryldon5 Is the following screenshot what you see on the left side of the screen with the TurboTax edition you are currently using?