E-File State for free

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
November 2, 2021
3 replies
80 views

I have subscribed to the annual TurboTax desktop software for many years. Recently I tried the online free version for my relatives. I saw that I can get their State taxes e-filed for free, as well as the Fed. I contacted Intuit about why I can’t get that on the desktop version that I paid $70 for. Well you just can’t.

QUESTION;

Is there a way to transcribe/copy/export/ the information from the desktop version to the free online version so I can e-file state for free? Without having to re-enter the data or copy/paste block by block.

Best answer by DoninGA

Sorry, no. The TurboTax current tax year desktop tax file cannot be transferred to the current tax year TurboTax online tax return.

DoninGA

Answer

Level 15

Sorry, no. The TurboTax current tax year desktop tax file cannot be transferred to the current tax year TurboTax online tax return.

HarryMuddAuthor

Level 2

Okay thanks. It’s a shame, but at least now I know.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

You can print and mail state for free from the Desktop program. Are you asking about 2020? It is too late to efile 2020 or to use the online version. For next year you can transfer a 2020 Desktop return into the 2021 Online version, but only into Deluxe or higher, not into the Free Edition.

If the return was simple enough to qualify for the Free Edition then it should be easy to enter it all again in the online version.

HarryMuddAuthor

Level 2

I understand. The return doesn’t qualify for the “free government qualified version”, but I can use the other free online version. Confusing I know.

I would like to be able to e-file my more complex return for free. I don’t understand why I have to pay for that when I can get it for free with the online version. I think my return is probably sufficiently simple that it would “fit” in the online version.

VolvoGirl

Level 15

No you can't efile a more complex return for free from online. Well actually all the online versions for federal and state are free to efile. The fees are the same if you efile or print and mail. You pay to prepare each return. You have to pay for state separately. In the Desktop you do get 1 state program download for free.

So in Online Deluxe and higher the state return is a separate $45.

Even though the Free Edition has a higher income limit than the government Free File website it is very limited and does not have any other schedules or forms. See this, Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

Rgsg

Level 2

I purchased Turbo Tax Deluxe with one free state efile. How do I get it?

VolvoGirl

Level 15

Where did you buy it? Do you need to download the program? And it is not one free state efile.

In the Desktop program you get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns. Then each state return (including the first one) is $20 to efile, usually goes up to $25 March 1. Or you can print and mail state for free.