IRS refund was applied to prior balance owed and state refund should be issued by 12/15, the state website says, so can I wait to pay my TurboTax filing fees until then (when I get my state refund)?
A state tax refund cannot be used to pay for the TurboTax online editions account fees. Only a federal tax refund can be used for that purpose.
And...in case you are not aware, you cannot e-file a 2023 return now. E-filing for 2023 is permanently closed. Your return can only be filed by mail. You have to print, sign and date it in ink, and mail it. In order to print, you have to pay your TurboTax fees.
When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.
Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.
Sounds like you get an email to pay the fees? You can try calling and see if they will wait.
If the IRS is taking too long to send your refund (or keeps it) and still holding your refund 36 days after your original estimated refund date they will ask you to pay the fees or they will debit your bank account. See, What happens if the IRS reduces my refund.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/payments/help/what-if-my-federal-refund-isn-t-enough-to-cover-my-turbotax-fees/00/26313
And see Why was my bank debited
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/why-was-my-bank-account-auto-debited-for-turbotax-fees/00/26102
How to contact Turbo Tax, say Billing Issue
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-contact-turbotax/00/26991