Can I stop turbo tax from downloading states I no longer need?

As long as the states are downloaded, they will update when TurboTax updates. If you no longer need a particular state, please follow the directions here to delete it: 

CD/Download [Desktop version]

1. When you are in the federal return, click on File (in the black bar at the top of the screen) > Remove State Return. 
2. A list of state returns currently in the return will appear.  Click on the one you want to delete to highlight it and click Remove. 

 

TurboTax Online

You can delete your TurboTax Online state return as long as you haven't paid for it yet (or registered in a free version):

1. Sign in to your return, if you're not already signed in.
2. Click State Taxes near the top of your screen and proceed to the Status of Your State Returns screen.
3. On that screen, click the Delete link right next to the Edit button, and then answer Yes. 

If you don't see the Edit or Delete button on the Status of Your State Returns screen and haven't paid or registered, please do the following:

1. Click State Taxes.
2. Proceed to the Status of Your Returns screen.

For more information, the following thread may offer some more assistance: https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/business-taxes/discussion/what-is-the-fastest-way-to-delete-the-state-form/00/1276225#M43073