Bait and Switch Pricing

Forum|Forum|1 month ago
April 14, 2026
1 reply
2 views

TT is taking the majority of my federal return just for filing. This is the "free" version. Costs $200+ with only taking the direct deposit option and declining all the other extras, so I don't have to worry about cashing a check or using a stupid prepaid debit card. A complete scam.

mesquitebean

Level 15

Have you already paid? If not, we may be able to tell you how to remove something or downgrade. What all are you being charged for? What edition did you end up (you can tell by looking in the top left corner when your interview is open.) Or see this FAQ on how to check your fees:

FAQ: How do I review my fees in TurboTax Online?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/review-fees-turbo...

Did you end up in a paid edition? The charges (or free) depends on what edition one ended up using. It's possible you either started off in the wrong edition, or perhaps you started in Free Edition but had to upgrade due to something in your return that Free Edition cannot handle. The Free Edition is only for very simple returns--a Form 1040 with no additional forms/schedules other than Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Student Loan Interest.

If you don't think you need Deluxe or higher, and if you haven't already paid, you can downgrade to Free Edition (second FAQ below). But if there's something that Free Edition cannot handle (first FAQ below), it will ask you to upgrade again.

FAQ: Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/upgrade-free-editio...

FAQ: How to I downgrade to a lower priced version of TurboTax Online?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/downgrade-lower-pri...

mesquitebean

Level 15

@Dat_Hades

Also be aware that if you choose to pay your product fees out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 fee for that service ($45 for California filers.) That can be avoided by paying upfront with credit/debit card.