State taxes I should get 1 free state return but am getting charged for it. Why

[HelenC12]

Check your box or email to confirm your version of TurboTax has one free state download.

If you purchased a CD\Download from TurboTax and aren't able to download the state without paying, you may experience an issue where your state is already downloaded but not showing as installed.  

When you try to download your state, you get a message that Your software is up to date with the state product never installing and you're caught in a loop. You could also be prompted to update prior to e-filing and getting a message that says You're up to date.

Resolution

To resolve, close TurboTax and then:

1. Download the TTStateCleanup.zip file and save it to your Desktop or other easy-to-find location.
2. Double-click to open the zip folder.
3. Extract the contents of the folder to your desktop and open the extracted folder.
4. Right-click the downloaded file (TTCleanStates.exe) and select Run as Administrator.
5. Select your version (Personal or Business).
6. Select your state from the drop-down menu and choose Remove (if you're having problems with multiple states, choose Remove all States).
7. Once the tool finishes removing the state return(s), close it and reopen TurboTax.
8. Follow the prompts to update TurboTax at the prompt. It should start downloading your state.
   • If it doesn't, click the State Taxes tab and download it from there.

If this fix fails:

1. Uninstall TurboTax.
2. Double-click the CD or download file to start the reinstallation process with the following steps:
3. Select Next on the welcome screen.
4. Select I Agree on the License Agreement.
5. On the next screen, where you see the install location, select Browse and change it to the location where TurboTax was originally installed. Normally, it's something like C:\Program Files (x86)\TurboTax\Deluxe 20XX.
6. Select Install after changing the location.
7. Open TurboTax after installation and proceed to your state taxes.

If the above steps don't resolve this issue, restart your computer in Selective Startup and run the tool again.  

Source: TurboTax FAQ

[cdykes12081]

How do I get rid of California? I needed it several years ago, but do not need it now. It is preventing me from filing my Alabama resident return for free. It is not downloaded, so I can't delete it, but it shows up. I do not need California. I do not want to do what is suggested in this program. That's why I bought a program so I don't have to do that sort of thing. California should not have been loaded on my computer. 

[SForrestLO]

@cdykes12081

You can delete your state return, click the link for more information. 

  Please see this Turbo Tax FAQ on how to delete your state return

[cdykes12081]

I believe what I am going to have to do is download the California return, then delete it as the only state return that I have to delete now is Alabama. But on the first page of the state part of the program it has Alabama which I have done and California which I have not done and do not need. I did need it several years ago, but have no need for it now. I think that will take me out of the loop. I just don't want this to come up next year. 

[VolvoGirl]

What is it charging you for Alabama?  The $45 to download the state program or the $25 state efile fee?  You do get one free state PROGRAM download.  But then each state efile including the first one is $25.  

Where are you seeing California?  When the program updates it may download the CA program updates too since you used it in the past.  There are some state program files left on your computer from the prior years. It doesn't hurt to have them on your computer.  As long as you do not select it in the State tab.  

[jrossham]

Your fix is too cumbersome. Just refund my $25

[SweetieJean]

This is a public forum.  See below to call TT Support.  Use the phrase billing issue.

What is the TurboTax phone number? (intuit.com)