Cost to efile CA tax return?

[37bob]

The desktop version of 2021 TurboTax shows $20 to efile the California state tax return but when I complete all of the billing information and go to complete the purchase the cost is $25. Why?

[DoninGA]

The price increased to $25 on March 1.  If you updated your software  the $25 e-file charge is shown in the File section of the program on the screen Select the Returns You're Ready to E-file

[VolvoGirl]

There  will be a delay in Desktop program between March 1 when the price goes up and the next time the program update comes out, usually on Thursdays.  It will show the $20 efile price but you be charged 25.  So it should be updated by now.

[123456789ne]

Why is there a charge to file state taxes? 

[HeatherPLO]

We charge to provide the software to assist in the preparation of the return.  If you need assistance with going over your fees, please reach out to customer support through the link below.  

What is the TurboTax phone number? - Intuit    

@123456789ne

[73Bruin]

I don't doubt there was a price update.  But Turbotax updated itself  (for California) many times between the time I first saw this price, including today 4/8/2022 the date I filed and the price showed in the system was always $20.00.  To me this is a classic bait and switch tactic by Turbotax and IMO, you owe me a refund of $5.00

[123456789ne]

HeatherPLO

If you charge to provide software to assist in the preparation of the return, then why charge after using the software?  Why can we download a state's software free and print the return to mail free?

[MichelleLO]

Please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support to have someone review the fees with you. To get you to the right person, use the keywords billing issues​​​​​.

What is the TurboTax phone number?

@73Bruin

One free state download is included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premier, and  Home and Business. This means you can prepare and print unlimited returns for one state at no extra cost. If you need additional states there will be an additional charge. For more information on what's included in the TurboTax CD/Download software please click here:  Compare CD/download products

If you have additional questions regarding the state e-file fee, please reach out to TurboTax Customer Support to discuss. 

@123456789ne

[73Bruin]

This was a non-response by Turbotax.  I called support mentioned billing issues and was given the "let me put you on hold while I research your issue" BS.  I was eventually told that I was being sent another link by email and I should follow that link and the person "hoped it would solve my problem and explain the issue, but didn't know".   What it was a older link to this same bait and switch tactic from 2021, with the BS rational that Intuit reserve the right to change the price at any time.  The person complaining had the whole thing screen printed with the deceptive pricing clearly showing immediately before filing as $20. 

[user42815]

Intuit is horrible and will not return your overpayment.  Last year I purchased TT in April to file my extension and then when I completed my return in October the program made me pay for the software AGAIN before it would file my return.  I requested a refund four times through their official "request refund" and each time my request was closed without even sending me an email nevermind a refund.  They are NOTORIOUS for bait and switch. I switched to the desktop version this year, but I'm still not happy with it.  We'll see what I use next year.  Looking at options ....

[VolvoGirl]

What did you pay for in April?  The Desktop program or the Online version fees?  Filing an extension is free.  If you used the Online version maybe you had to upgrade to a higher version or added a state return or some other service.  How to see your online fees

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online/0...

Or maybe you bought the Desktop CD/Download program but used the Online version instead.  I see people all the time that have bought the CD/Download Desktop Software but then somehow ended up using the Online version and didn't know it.  If that happened to you,  you can move your Online file to the Desktop program and continue without paying for Online or needing to reenter your info. Post back if you need to know how to move it to your Desktop program.

You should like the Desktop program more.  You get 5 federal efile for free.  In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state).  Each state return including the first one is $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version.  You can do more than 1 return.  You can see and enter into the actual forms.  And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms.  You just get more help in the higher versions.  In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income.  Like Premier for investments.

[user42815]

I paid for the online version in April 2021.  At that time, TurboTax would not let me file my self employed extension without first purchasing the program.  As illustrated below, I again had to purchase it in October when I filed the actual return.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you pay in April 2021 when you did the extension and pay again in MAY?  May was after the extension deadline.  

Don't know why you paid again in Oct 2021 except to add a state.  The amounts are not showing.  Maybe you used a different account?  

Then why did you buy the 2020 Desktop program in August 2022?  Didn't you finish and file 2020 back in Oct 2021?  Or did you need to amend 2020?  Since you paid for online you didn't need to buy the Desktop program.  They would have let you download the program,  

Try calling in to get it straightened out.

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

What is the Turbo Tax phone number
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[user42815]

My mistake.  I paid in May.  Due to Covid the due date was extended.  I had to amend and yes, that one is a zero cost download.  The May payment was $60 and the October was $110.  It is for the same online account.  I did call.  They sent me to the webpage to file the request for refund.  I did that four times and then gave up.  Chalking it up to a learning experience.   Never purchase directly from TurboTax online.  This year I purchased the desktop version from Costco and had no issues filing.