topic how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

user21098 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:41:00 GMT

why am i being charge an extra $15 to file

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

MindyB — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:55:03 GMT

You are being charged because the optional 100% Accurate/Maximum Refund Guarantee add-on was selected.

You can remove it, here is how to do this in TurboTax Online:

Go to File > Step 1 Review your order.
Find the Guarantee add‑on and select Remove/Remove benefits, then continue to payment.

If you already paid/submitted, the fee can’t be removed.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

user17730805499 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:23:10 GMT

How do I avoid this charge in the desktop version?

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

CatinaT1 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:08:31 GMT

To remove the $15 maximum refund guarantee charge (often labeled as MAX Benefits, PLUS, or Audit Defense) in the desktop version of TurboTax before submitting your order, you must re-navigate the review and filing sections to explicitly opt out of the add-on.

Follow these steps to clear the charge:

Select the Review tab at the top of your screen.
Select the Audit Protection sub-tab.
Proceed through the interview screens (including the Audit Risk Meter) until you reach the purchase screen for the service.
Uncheck the selection box or select No thanks to decline the coverage and remove the fee.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

MichPede — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:27:49 GMT

I am using the download/desktop version and this did not work. The only thing I could say 'no thanks' to was Audit Protection... there was no way to choose or NOT choose the $15 Maximum Refund Guarantee. I. DO. NOT. WANT. IT!!

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

VolvoGirl — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:37:34 GMT

Where did you buy the Desktop program? There is a $25 fee to efile a state return which some stores like Costco gives you a $10 rebate. I think It just says 100% maxium refund guarantee when you file, it's not something extra being added. Except for the state efile fee.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

Inquiry12 — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:26:57 GMT

It is added to final cost in addition to state filing fee.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

thomasjforbes — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:25:56 GMT

I am having the same problem. I followed your directions. I can not remove the $15 "Maximum Refund Guarantee" Fee.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

thomasjforbes — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:55:55 GMT

Responding to my own recent post. I have the Mac TurboTax desktop version. After talking directly to a TurboTax representative I got clarification. (Not to say the software isn't very confusing and misleading.)

If one pays the State eFiling fee by credit card, there is no Maximum Refund Guarantee fee. I went through the process with the Rep on the phone (to make sure). I only paid $15 for State filing. ($10 Costco credit applied to the normal $25 fee). I filed my taxes successfully.

However, I was told if you have TurboTax take the State filing fee out of the Federal refund, they do charge $15. I obviously could not verify that.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

VolvoGirl — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:15:55 GMT

@thomasjforbes If you want the $15 or $25 state efile fee deducted from your refund there is an EXTRA $40 Pay with Refund service charge ($45 in California). So the fees would be 15+40=$55.

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

bridgetdaley — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:15:55 GMT

Same!

Re: how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

LindaS5247 — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:20:23 GMT

The TurboTax Free Edition is for customers who are filing simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest. Roughly 3.7% of taxpayers qualify. If you have additional forms or attachments, you'll need to use a different TurboTax product.

You can review your fees using the instructions below to find out why you're being charged. You can follow the instructions in this article to remove any unwanted Fees Why am I being charged for TurboTax Free Edition?

You can review your fees in TurboTax online as follows:

Go to the left side on your screen under "Tax Home"
Go to "Tax Tools" then "Tools"
The "Tools Center" Box will pop up
Click on "My Fees" to see a summary of your Turbo Tax Fees.

You can contact TurboTax Support using this link: How do I contact TurboTax?

If you have additional information or questions regarding this, please return to Community and we would be glad to help.