Cost that Turbotax Charges to File the State returns

[mslatinlady]

I used 2021 Turbotax Deluxe CD. I filed my federal in February. Then when I began the California state filing, I paid $20. But on the payment screen it showed $20 but also showed $25 crossed out. I remember last year I paid $20 when I filed in February. A friend of mine asked me to help him do his taxes last year and he bought Turbotax Deluxe. He filed in March and Turbotax charged him $25. Why does Turbotax charge different prices to file the state ?

Please advise. Thanks and blessings !

[DoninGA]

The state e-file charge when using the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions is $20 if the state return was e-filed before March 1.  On March 1 the price increases to $25 for the rest of the year.

[mslatinlady]

Well, then, I think that Turbotax should ensure that customers know up front that the price increases to $25 beginning March 1.   Don't you think?  (Why increase the price anyway???  Seems like Turbotax should allow everyone to pay only $20.  Just sayin')

Blessings.  

[VolvoGirl]

FYI -  and what I've found is..........

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 price but you be charged 25.

[mslatinlady]

Wow, that's deceitful !!! 

I love Turbotax and have been using it for many years, but, Turbotax, why do you do this?    Give us a break !!

Blessings.....

[mslatinlady]

Plus, what's the reason behind Turbotax increasing the efiling fee an additional $5 (from $20 to $25) anyway?  What's the difference wheter a filer efiles in February, March or April ???   Turbotax:  Explain please?

God bless us all....

[mainelygrace]

Yes, that question deserves an answer. If I had known that I would have filed yesterday. What could be a reasonable answer to this? I can't think of any. I hate having to pay extra to file the state return anyway, so this just makes it worse. It used to be included when you bought TurboTax. 

[mslatinlady]

Yes, I think that it used to be free to efile to the state some years ago.  Turbotax, why not give us loyal customers a break ??  

Hope someone from Turbotax responds. 

Have a blessed day !

[Cass0317]

You can find all TurboTax products and prices listed here.

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[Greg2424]

Just filed and was surprised to see a $20 charge to e-file my state tax return after using Turbo Tax's Download version.  Not sure why they blindsided me with this cost as I'm ready to file.  Equally surprised that if I would have filed 3 days from now, they would have upped the charge to $25.  Seems like "nickel and diming" a long-term user of their product.

I thought that the experience and ease of use of this year's software was an improvement over previous years, BUT this charge has left a bad taste.  Next year, I'll have to see what H&R Block offers.

[VolvoGirl]

It's always been a fee to efile state in the Desktop program.  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.  

[Greg2424]

Thanks for the quick response.  After many years of filing online through Turbo Tax, I choose to try the download version because I understood that it was less expensive to file (i.e.: all-in cost).  It wound up being about the same.