Direct Deposit and Live Deluxe

[0k]

I got forced to upgrade to live deluxe because I had schedule b on federal and because I filed fed and state together I go charged $129 for fed and $69 for state (sure, I guess) but then, turbotax proceeded to make me get the 5 days early and charge me for direc deposit $35!? This is my first time doing taxes with them and I'm not sure what to think, is this normal? Can I bypass the 5 days early? Will it still charge to deposit into account?

[mesquitebean]

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@0k wrote:

I got forced to upgrade to live deluxe because I had schedule b on federal and because I filed fed and state together I go charged $129 for fed and $69 for state (sure, I guess) but then, turbotax proceeded to make me get the 5 days early and charge me for direc deposit $35!? This is my first time doing taxes with them and I'm not sure what to think, is this normal? Can I bypass the 5 days early? Will it still charge to deposit into account?

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The $35 charge is for the "up to 5 days early" option.  For people who do not use that option, there is no fee for direct deposit.  If it was me, I'd pass on that option and save the $35.   There is also no extra fee to "file Federal and State together."    People commonly file them together.  In the Deluxe product, there is a fee to prepare the Federal return and a fee to prepare the State return.

You may also be able to remove the LIVE feature if you don't want it and that will save you a significant amount of money.   LIVE products are for folks seeking help from a tax expert during preparation and to review the return prior to filing.  If you didn't use that option, here's how to remove it:

FAQ:  How do I remove TurboTax Live?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-remove-turbotax-live/01/27312

[0k]

I did see the option to decline the 5 days early. However, when I declined it gave me an error so I had to agree to it, maybe that one was on me but in order to move forward I HAD to upgrade to Live Deluxe because of schedule B as it would not let me proceed with filing if I didn't pay for it and it was $198 which to me that's quite a bit of money.

[mesquitebean]

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@0k wrote:

I did see the option to decline the 5 days early. However, when I declined it gave me an error so I had to agree to it, maybe that one was on me but in order to move forward I HAD to upgrade to Live Deluxe because of schedule B as it would not let me proceed with filing if I didn't pay for it and it was $198 which to me that's quite a bit of money.

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The Live feature does add a considerable fee.   A routine Schedule B does not require the LIVE feature.   Many filers have Schedule B--it's a very common form.  A Schedule B does require an upgrade from regular Free Edition to regular Deluxe.  However, if you were already in LIVE before upgrading; i.e., if you were in Live Basic (the Live version of "Free Edition"), then an upgrade would take you to Live Deluxe instead of regular Deluxe.  Maybe that's how you ended up in Live Deluxe instead of regular Deluxe--maybe you were already in Live.  Many people end up with it without realizing it.

You can phone TurboTax Support and tell them your experience, and see if they will work with you on fees, especially the Live part.

Support hours are 5AM-9PM Pacific, every day this time of year.

FAQ: What is the TurboTax phone number?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[0k]

I see how that would've happened. Would you happen to know if this is just for this year's taxes and I can use the free version next year or is this what will be used from now on?🫠

[mesquitebean]

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@0k wrote:

I see how that would've happened. Would you happen to know if this is just for this year's taxes and I can use the free version next year or is this what will be used from now on?🫠

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No one yet knows what next year's products will be like, but typically Free Edition is for very simple basic returns that only use a Form 1040 and no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest.

There are also other free products offered via the IRS website that have different requirements and may have more functionality in regards to the forms allowed.

https://www.irs.gov/file-your-taxes-for-free