Desktop vs online cost for two states

[Twostates]

If filing for two people and each have two state returns, is TurboTax desktop vs online better and cost for state and efile fees?

[xmasbaby0]

Desktop will be more cost effective unless the two people have such simple returns that you can use the Free Edition for them.

With online software you pay separately for each federal and each state return---so for two people and two different states that will add up.

Every version of desktop has all the forms and schedules.   You can get Deluxe with one specific state of your choosing for about $40 from Costco or Amazon right now---and the second "other"  state costs about $40.

With desktop software --although you get the state preparation----you get charged an extra $20 to e-file a state return but you can avoid the state e-file fee by printing and mailing the state returns.

[Twostates]

Do you know if certain states like NY offer free efile for the desktop version?

if using the desktop software, is there a way to view the return later via the TurboTax website or only via desktop?

[xmasbaby0]

There is no fee to e-file NY.

When you use desktop software the tax file is not stored online --- it is saved only on your own hard drive or any back up device you use.

[Twostates]

Thanks.  So if saved on desktop, can that file be imported into the online version next year or it’s only compatible with windows desktop?

[xmasbaby0]

You can transfer in either direction---online to desktop or desktop to online.   You just have to do the tax file transfer at the very beginning before you enter any new data for the new return.