Online pricing verses CD prices

user17734369334 — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:28:32 GMT

Why is it $263 with $15 off for me to file state and federal taxes online? If you browse the internet you can get CD version for $85. I don't understand the extreme price difference. Same software, same everything, but $180 additional price more to file online? Make it make sense!

Re: Online pricing verses CD prices

JohnB5677 — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:33:08 GMT

Here are some reasons why you are seeing that high $263 quote ($15 off) online compared to a $85 CD version, and how to make sense of it.

1. Per-Return Cost vs. License Cost

TurboTax Online ($263ish): You are paying for a single, hosted service.
CD/Download ($85): You buy a license that lets you file one federal return + state software for yourself. You can also file up to 5 federal returns for others (like children or parents) for free.

2. State Filing Fee Misconception

Online: You pay for the federal product, and then you are charged a separate, high fee (often $50-$60+) for the state return.
CD/Download: The software usually has one state program (the forms). You still have to pay an extra fee to file your state taxes online (approx. $25-$30).

3. Convenience vs. Control

Online: Intuit will host your data, offer cloud accessibility, and guide you through a wizard without installing software.
Desktop: You retain total control. You can see the actual tax forms (Forms Mode), run "What-If" situations, and save your own data files.

4. Triggered Upgrades (The "Hidden" Cost)

The high cost ($263) suggests your return triggered the highest-tier Online product (e.g., Premium/Self-Employed).

Online: As you enter investment income, small business income, or complex deductions, the online software automatically upgrades you to a more expensive version.
Desktop: All desktop versions (Deluxe, Premier, etc.) share the same tax forms. You can often buy the cheaper Desktop Deluxe and still get the forms you need, whereas online forces a higher-tier purchase.

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Online pricing verses CD prices

Re: Online pricing verses CD prices