Extra Charge Fee for State Tax Return

[cliu_uml]

Hi there,

Has anyone faced the issue of double charging for turbotax desktop version? I'd like to ask for a help. Here is my situation:

I purchased the turbotax desktop version online and was able to use it to e-file my federal return. Then in order to e-file my state return, I paid another $25+sales tax. That's all my payments. I also choose to use my checking account to pay the state tax and receive my federal tax return.

However, today I find in my bank's checking account, in addition to the tax that I owe to the state, there is another $60 charge (the merchant contains some keywords like Massachusetts state). The other deducted money is correct and matched my owed tax records for the state.

I think I've already paid the turbotax state e-file fee in my credit card for the $25+, and I'm wondering why I'm charged this extra $60.

Does someone has the same issue? And any advice or help are much appreciated!

Thank you so much!

[mesquitebean]

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@ cliu_uml wrote:

I purchased the turbotax desktop version online and was able to use it to e-file my federal return. Then in order to e-file my state return, I paid another $25+sales tax. That's all my payments. I also choose to use my checking account to pay the state tax and receive my federal tax return.

However, today I find in my bank's checking account, in addition to the tax that I owe to the state, there is another $60 charge (the merchant contains some keywords like Massachusetts state). The other deducted money is correct and matched my owed tax records for the state.

I think I've already paid the turbotax state e-file fee in my credit card for the $25+, and I'm wondering why I'm charged this extra $60.

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 Are you able to provide the exact merchant description of the $60 charge that appears in your account (but don't post any personal info in this public Internet forum.)

What TurboTax desktop product are you using?   If it's Deluxe, is it the version that includes a state program download, or is it the Federal-only version to which you had to add a state program?   If you bought it from theTurboTax website, it should be the combo Federal and State version.    Other retailers carry both versions.

[cliu_uml]

Thanks for the reply.

Here is the merchant's description "COMMONWEALTH MAS DES:ECHECK WEB ID:XXXX WEB", merchant's name is "COMMONWEALTH MAS".

My desktop version is purchased online, but it contains a free state tax download, the package is named "

TurboTax Deluxe 2020 Desktop Tax Software, Federal and State Returns + Federal E-file (State E-file Additional) [Mac Download]", so I think it should already contain the free state return, only e-filing fee should be charged and should be only charged once.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

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@ cliu_uml wrote:

My desktop version is purchased online, but it contains a free state tax download, the package is named "TurboTax Deluxe 2020 Desktop Tax Software, Federal and State Returns + Federal E-file (State E-file Additional) [Mac Download]"

Here is the merchant's description "COMMONWEALTH MAS DES:ECHECK WEB ID:XXXX WEB", merchant's name is "COMMONWEALTH MAS".

Yes, the product you described should include the state program, with a 24.99 fee to efile the state return.

That wording of the $60 charge description doesn't look like anything to do with a charge from TurboTax/Intuit.  It looks like something from the State (Commonwealth) of Massachusetts.   Theoretically, it could be from any department in Massachusetts government that allows payment by echeck.   Have you paid any fee to Massachusetts recently for anything else at a Mass. government website?    Does that charge in your bank account or statement show a phone number in the charge description?

Since this is tax-filing season, I'd start with phoning the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to see what they say.   If it wasn't them, then maybe they can suggest how else to track it down in the Mass. government.  Here's their contact page with a phone number:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/contact-dor

Your bank may have more underlying info for the charge, too, and perhaps can be more specific about where the charge came from.

[cliu_uml]

Thank you so much for the clue. That really solves my issue and it's my fault. There does exist one payment to RMV in MA for a recent registration renewal.

When filing the tax return, I noticed there is one question about previous year's vehicle's registration renewal, and I did a check and find it's almost due, so paying it nearly the same time as the e-filing.

Sorry for this silly question and this really solves my puzzles. Really appreciate your help!

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome.  I'm glad you figured it out.  Good luck.

[112051]

Yes every year Turbo charges extra

I hope to find another tax software

[VincentBarbetta]

I am so annoyed how TT tricks you into paying a fee for state filing.  I have a zero tax return to file for NJ and they didn't give me the option to file by paper.  I have been using TT for ever and it seems that they are now trying to squeeze unnecessary fees.  I paid for the 1 free state software, i don't want to pay for for an unnecessary efiling.

[bvmbvm]

This is a similar situation to mine.  I purchased the desk top version of Turbo Tax that included one state . In my case it is New Jersey. Because   I worked part time  in New York State, I had to purchase separately the NY state filing. Also, because of NY State's rules for the amount of income , I must file the NY state taxes by mail not electronically.  Yet, when I tried to file NJ taxes electronically, I was charged an additional amount. 

[mesquitebean]

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@bvmbvm wrote:

This is a similar situation to mine.  In my case it is New Jersey. Because   I worked part time  in New York State, I had to purchase separately the NY state filing. Also, because of NY State's rules for the amount of income , I must file the NY state taxes by mail not electronically.  Yet, when I tried to file NJ taxes electronically, I was charged an additional amount. 

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"I purchased the desk top version of Turbo Tax that included one state."

The included state refers to the state program (state software.)

The TurboTax desktop editions that includes state returns includes a state program for one state.   Since you have 2 different states,  you had to purchase the second state software.  The following explains the additional fee you are referring to:

For all states except NY state, there is a $25 efile fee ($20 in early filing season.)   So I assume you are referring to the $25 fee to efile a New Jersey state return.     New York state has no state efile fee, and there is no fee to print and mail a state return of any state.

[GCDragon]

I had an issue with my State return.  I also purchased TT Desktop with one state license.  During the last step of the state review, it directed me to buy the state license to complete the state return.  I could not proceed without being redirected.  I had to sign into Intuit to complete the transaction.   I thought maybe TT wanted to collect the state efilling fee earlier in the process.  After pay the $45, it directed by back to the State return review.   Again, I could not proceed without being redirected to purchase another state license.  Needless to say, there seemed to be a glitch.  So I had to manually advance to the audit check then the efilings.   Not sure why I was having this issue.  I have used TT for over 10 years.  I am not sure if I will use TT next year.    

[mesquitebean]

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@ GCDragon wrote:

I had an issue with my State return.  I also purchased TT Desktop with one state license.  During the last step of the state review, it directed me to buy the state license to complete the state return.  I could not proceed without being redirected.  I had to sign into Intuit to complete the transaction.   I thought maybe TT wanted to collect the state efilling fee earlier in the process.  After pay the $45, it directed by back to the State return review.   Again, I could not proceed without being redirected to purchase another state license.  Needless to say, there seemed to be a glitch.  So I had to manually advance to the audit check then the efilings.   Not sure why I was having this issue.  I have used TT for over 10 years.  I am not sure if I will use TT next year.    

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As you've probably done, be sure you have a product that does include the state software.

If you are using the Deluxe Edition, it comes in 2 versions--one that is Federal-only, and one that is the combo Deluxe that includes both Federal and a State program.   Some people end up with the wrong Deluxe Edition.  The Basic Edition does not include a state program at all.

I think I know what you are describing because something similar happened to me one year, too.  But as I recall, I was able to figure out how to get past it by doing something non-intuitive in the popup window, but I can't remember exactly, and I don't have a way to test it

If your product includes state software, since you were charged again for the state software, you can ask TurboTax Support for a refund.

Hours are currently 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern), 7 days/week, but this is likely their busiest weekend of the year.

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

[GCDragon]

I appreciate the insights.  Yes, I called last night, and the wait was just too long.   Will wait a few days, before calling again. 

[7ldy2bg]

I agree with you.  I had to upgrade to Deluxe because this year I had Dividends, so I paid the $59.  Now I find I cannot file my State return unless I pay again.  Why would I want to pay for an upgrade and not believe it would cover both State and Federal.  I did not see any information telling me the upgrade only covered Federal. I am feeling taken advantage of and I don't like it one bit!  Will not use them again and will certainly share my experience.