Direct Deposit Refund Fee for Non-Credit Karma Bank Account

[c_linu]

Why does Turbo Tax charge me an additional $35 fee, outside the filing fees, for depositing a refund to a bank account not associated with Credit Karma?

I never had to do this with Turbo Tax in the past 15 years.

Turbo Tax is forcing me to open a bank account with Credit Karma to waive this fee, which they are marketing as an Early Refund Fee. It is ridiculous that I have to pay for this on top of the filing fees. When I call customer service, they indicate the fees are charged by some other bank—Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC  (SBTPG) 877-908-7228. 

This is my last year using Turbo Tax.

[NicolleR1]

It looks like that $35 dollar fee charge you are referring to is because you are signing up for the Up to 5 Days Early Option 

To opt in for this program, you will need to open a Credit Karma account. You can always go back and choose a different refund method, such as regular direct deposit. If the system is still charging you the $35 you can remove any unnecessary fees, see the links below. 

How do I review my fees in TurboTax Online? 

Why am I being charged for TurboTax Free Edition?

[c_linu]

There were only two options:

1. Accept Direct Deposit via Credit Karma with no fees
2. Accept Direct Deposit into my bank account with $35.35 Fees.

I never wanted 5 Days Early Option, and there was no option to opt-out.  

Option 2 has been my go-to option for the past 15 years, and I'm now being charged for it—under the guise of a benefit that I never wanted: the "5-Day Early Option." 

If you want to help, waive the $35.35 fee since I have already paid for filing via the Turbo Tax.

[MarilynG1]

Did you elect to pay TurboTax from your refund?  That would account for the direct deposit fee, which does go to San Barbara Tax Group for processing.  

We can't refund or waive fees in this forum, but you can Contact TurboTax Support and use 'Billing' in the phone options menu.

@c_linu 

[iusefaith]

Just choose "No Thanks" at the bottom and then "Direct Deposit (Standard timing)" on the next screen.