E-File State for free

[HarryMudd]

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.

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

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

[HarryMudd]

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

[VolvoGirl]

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.  

[HarryMudd]

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]

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

[VolvoGirl]

Here's some info and links

ONLINE

The Online web version is different than the Desktop CD/Download program you install.  The pricing structure is totally different.  

Online you pay to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail.  Efiling is free and included in all versions.  And state is a separate additional charge in Deluxe and above.   Oh and Online is only good for 1 Account and 1 return.

In the Online versions you have to use a higher versions to enter certain types of income like investments and self employment.  Online you can’t see the actual forms like the Desktop program until you pay.

You can access an online return from any computer and device.  Your return is stored at Turbo Tax.  So be sure to download the pdf and .tax files to your computer when you are done or you may not be able to access it when you need a copy.  Or if you ever need to amend.

You can see the prices and start an Online return here, 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/ 

Online version system requirements

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/turbotax-online-system-requirements/00/25...

And the Mobile App which is just a portal to the online version.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/mobile/

DESKTOP

Desktop vs Online

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-s-the-difference-between-turbotax-onl...

Some advantages of the Desktop CD/Download program over the Online version,  https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-are-the-advantages-of-the-turbotax-cd...

Desktop you buy and install the program which can do unlimited returns.  The returns are only saved on your computer and can not be accessed from anywhere else.  And not saved at Turbo Tax.  So Be sure to save Frequently and make backups.  You get 5 federal efile for free.  In Deluxe and above you get 1 state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns (in that state).  Each state return including the first one is $20/25 to efile or you can print and mail the state for free.

Desktop also has many other features and advantages over the Online version.  You can do more than 1 return.  You can see and enter into the actual forms.  And you can use a lower version because all the Desktop versions have ALL the same forms.  You just get more help in the higher versions.  In online you have to upgrade to enter certain kinds of income.  Like Premier for investments.

You can buy the Desktop CD/Download program now here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

Window System Requirements

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

Mac System Requirements

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

[VolvoGirl]

Hey, next year try doing your more complex return online and see if it makes you upgrade to a higher version and see what the fees would be.  If you don't like it or don't want to upgrade you CAN then move the Online return into the Desktop program to continue and file without starting over or paying for online.   

[HarryMudd]

Wow.  Thanks for all the information.  I understand.  But still it’s kind of bush league that I pay $70 and have to pay another $24.99 to e-file my state.  

[xmasbaby0]

@HarryMudd The fee to e-file a state return using the CD/download is $19.99 at the beginning of the tax season, and then it goes up to $24.99 in March.   Avoid the e-file for for state by printing and mailing the state return.

[Critter-3]

FYI ... Turbotax will not be included as an option for the 2021 tax returns  thru the IRS FREE FILE system ... they will no longer be participating. 

[Rgsg]

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

[VolvoGirl]

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.  

[DoninGA]

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@Rgsg wrote:

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

---

There is one free state program download if you purchased the Deluxe desktop edition or higher.  This does not include and has not included a free state e-file when using the desktop editions for at least the last ten years or longer.  

The current e-file charge for state tax return when using the desktop editions is $25 (except for New York state which is free).  You can avoid the e-file charge by printing and mailing the state tax return.

[beverlyry]

The software shows the fee as $20.  I just confirmed this with someone at Turbo Tax.  have no idea why I was charged $25 to efile the state, and they can't tell me why.