Why e-file for state? TT Desktop Premier 2020

[asktax1]

hi there - 

My wife and I are Filing Separate for 2020. We bought TT Desktop Premier software to prepare taxes. 

We live in NJ but work in NY, so we have to file in 2 states, so we bought 1 extra state ($40). I already paid $70 for software, $40 for one additional state, and $20 for NJ e-filing for me (since NY is free for e-filing). 

I completed my file and paid $20 for NJ e-filing fee as mentioned above. But now I am filing for my Wife, it's asking me to pay $20 more for e-filing for NJ. I thought you get 5 e-filing for Fed and 5 e-filing a state once I paid $20 for NJ once. 

 Why is $20 more? I dont understand.

thanks 

[xmasbaby0]

E-filing fee in desktop software

Did you purchase desktop software with state software included?  They sell Deluxe both with and without state software--so you have to be careful which one you choose.  And even if it does have the state software download included, that is for preparing the state.  There is an extra fee to e-file the state.  You can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state instead of e-filing it.

[DoninGA]

Using the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions each state tax return e-filed has a $20 e-file charge (except for New York state returns).  This charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state return.

There are 5 free federal return e-files included with the desktop editions.  But not for the state returns e-filed.

Note that the e-file charge for an e-filed state return will increase to $25 on March 1.