topic TurboTax Desktop software charges in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:48:16 GMT

I have the product key for 2021 desktop download but it still wants to charge me to efile federal. Where do I enter the Key?

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:42:30 GMT

We cannot see which version of the software you are in. You enter the license key at the time that you download the software. Did you accidentally use online software instead of downloading and using the desktop software? Did you "log on" to an account and prepare your return using the web-based software?

If you are using online, you are using the wrong program. You need to switch to the desktop software to get what you paid for. You have to download it, update it and open it up from your own hard drive to use it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:46:39 GMT

No, I am using a downloaded version of the Windows desktop version. It was downloaded by a friend and it can be used on three computers, and multiple (not sure how many) returns. It is installed on my PC, not the online version.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:48:45 GMT

If you downloaded the software to your own hard drive then you are not being charged to e-file a federal return. Are you trying to e-file a state return? With the CD/download there is a $25 fee to e-file a state return. You can avoid that fee if you print and mail the state return.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:54:59 GMT

He downloaded it to his PC, then copied the program and installation files to a thumb drive, and I installed from there. It is NOT a CD version. We have done this before, and have not had this issue.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:59:14 GMT

"Desktop" and "CD/download" are the same thing. And...you are not being charged for e-filing a federal return if you are really using the desktop software. Where is your tool bar? Is it on the top or along the side---is it a vertical tool bar?

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:16:14 GMT

The toolbar is at the top.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:18:27 GMT

How much is it trying to charge you? If it is a fee of $25 that is the state e-file fee. And it could also be offering you the foolish choice of paying that $25 fee by using your federal refund---for an extra refund processing fee of $39.99.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:19:13 GMT

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:20:45 GMT

It want's the $25, which I understand, but it wants $40 for the federal e-file

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

Beki — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:22:59 GMT

I just went through it again, and it didn't ask for the extra. I must have done somethings wrong along the way. Thanks.

Re: TurboTax Desktop software charges

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 14:24:34 GMT

No----that is not a fee for federal. They are giving you the opportunity to pay the third party bank an extra "refund processing fee" of $39.99 in order to take the $25 out of your federal refund. Do not fall for it. Either pay the $25 state e-file fee upfront with a credit/debit card or print and mail the state instead of e-filing it.