How much does it cost to E-file a state tax return for 2024?

[mgarry3416]

Old time TurboTax user trying to find the "best" price for TurboTax with a State income tax return.  

In prior years it seems some of the less expensive store versions of TurboTax with State end up costing more to E-file than if you purchased directly from TurboTax.  Its always been you get to file 5 federal returns with the Federal version of TurboTax.  As a single person or married filing jointly. 5 returns is more than enough.  As the kids get older and get a job, you begin to use the additional "free" e-file federal returns.  However, you get to pay for each State E-file return.  This year TurboTax is showing each State tax return is $49 with free e-file.  I've also seen that this year's price to file a State return with TurboTax is $25.  So does the $49 price from TurboTax include the same 5 e-file returns like the federal returns or is "free" for the first return and $25 for each return after the first free return? 

I see the big club stores (Sam's Costco, BJ's ) come with a $10 credit to the cost of the State e-file or may be applied to other TurboTax expenses.  The second state e-file is at full price.  This year all software needs to be downloaded (no more CD's) from Intuit.  It appears that it would be less expensive if the state version is purchased direly from Intuit if the price includes the same 5 free federal returns.  If not, the less expensive way is to purchase from Sam's at $55.99 and then pay for each State Return.   

[xmasbaby0]

You are confusing online TurboTax software fees with desktop download fees.

When you use online software, there is no fee at all for e-filing--not for federal or state.  The fee is the same whether you e-file or mail it in an envelope.  BUT---with online there are separate fees for federal and for state.  

When you purchase the desktop software that includes state software, you get to e-file federal for free, and you have a state software program of ONE specific state of your choice.  If you need a second --different-- state program it will cost $40 for each different state.   To e-file the state return, you pay a fee of $20---which increases to $25 on March 1.   You can print and mail the state instead for the price of a stamp.

And....some of the retailers that sell the desktop software give you a $10 credit toward  one state e-file fee.

[DoninGA]

TurboTax website for the 2024 desktop editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/#modals/tta-state-download-state-e-file-sold

All the TurboTax desktop editions include 5 free federal e-files.  There is a $25 e-file fee for each state tax return e-filed.  This e-file charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

[JoFeen]

FYI, my state efile price is showing $25 right now on the TT program. From that I'm assuming it goes up to $30 in March. 

[Clifdwllr2]

Except that, having had my federal efile tax return accepted,  my only mn state filing options are File by Mail and Nor Ready to File. 

Will I ever be able to e-file my mn tax return using TurboTax? 

[CatinaT1]

You should be able to. How do I e-file my state after I already filed my federal?

[bernjohn47]

Something is not right with this answer. I attempted to file today (19 February) and my software is up-to-date. (Downloaded desktop Federal + state). The state filing fee is listed as $20 in the summary payment page. But when I actually go to file, the charge is $25. I don't know why the previous answer states that prices change on 1 March, nor why Turbotax can't update it's payment information to reflect the actual charge.

[xmasbaby0]

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/new-subscriptions/state-e-file-25-turbot...

[DoninGA]

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@bernjohn47 wrote:

Something is not right with this answer. I attempted to file today (19 February) and my software is up-to-date. (Downloaded desktop Federal + state). The state filing fee is listed as $20 in the summary payment page. But when I actually go to file, the charge is $25. I don't know why the previous answer states that prices change on 1 March, nor why Turbotax can't update it's payment information to reflect the actual charge.

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If you purchased the 2024 TurboTax desktop edition from TurboTax, there was an option to select TurboTax Advantage which is a subscription to receive the desktop edition each tax year automatically.  If you chose this option the state e-file fee would be $20.  If you did not choose this option then the state e-file fee is $25.  This fee can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

[bernjohn47]

Thank you. This is indeed the option I chose, and the payment summary page shows a $20 charge for state filing. But when I enter my credit card information, I am charged $25. 

[DoninGA]

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@bernjohn47 wrote:

Thank you. This is indeed the option I chose, and the payment summary page shows a $20 charge for state filing. But when I enter my credit card information, I am charged $25. 

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You will have to contact TurboTax support for assistance with this problem. Use the key words Billing Issue

See this TurboTax support FAQ for contacting support - https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/account-management/turbotax-phone-number...

Support can also be reached by messaging them on these pages https://www.facebook.com/turbotax/ and https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax

[tomrata]

However, if you use the Premier package and elect to pay the filing fee from the refund, you must also then elect to use direct deposit - which has a much larger bank fee.  Why cant a mail in check for the refund include the filing fee?  Seems like  scam to fund the bank.

[VolvoGirl]

@tomrata  Huh?  There is no fee to get Direct Deposit.   If you want to have the fees deducted from your federal refund there is an Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California).   You can avoid that by paying the fees upfront with a credit card.  You can get your refund either by check or Direct Deposit.  But if you want a check you have to pay the fees with a credit card.  They can only take the fees out of your refund if you have Direct Deposit.  

[jkcech]

I had the same thing happen.

[tomrata]

Yes, its annoying. First you are asked how you want your refund - either check or direct deposit. If you choose check and move on and you dont want to pay the state filing fee with  card, the software makes you file direct deposit so the fee can come out of your refund. Now you must pay another $40 for direct deposit handling - which you denied in the first place.