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.