Exclusive TurboTax offer for Fidelity clients

[CP01]

Hi there,

Has anyone used Fidelity exclusive TurboTax off for its clients. Their offer " File your taxes free with Do It Yourself Premium" is this Really Free or is there a charged later during filing.  I ask cause in reading the asterisk ( $99$0*State included) it keep talking about the free version items that are not included but not about the Premium version. I buy the Premium desktop version from Costco since I have to include investments. If you used this offer can you please let me know if it's fully free (which will save me buying it) and if it's online only or can I download it to desktop since I didn't see an option to download it. 

Thanks for your help.

[xmasbaby0]

You are confusing two different software versions with similar names.  Premium is online software.  With online software you get one return per fee.

Premier--which you purchase from Costco, etc. is a desktop download software.   With desktop software you get state software included and you can e-file up to five federal returns and their associated state returns.  The only "extra " fee with desktop is for e-filing state, which you can avoid if you print and mail the state.

[CP01]

Thanks for responding. But I was asking if anyone used Fidelity offered TT Premium and if it's really free to use. 

[VolvoGirl]

1/12/26 just read this post in another forum……

When I activated my free from Fidelity TT benefit this year, it took me to the online version. However, when I left that window open and went to the link for Desktop download I saw that I could get TT Premier desktop for $5. Not free, but almost.

[user17697194783]

Don't do it if you want to e-file.  The Fidelity Premier does NOT include filing the tax returns and it costs $188 to e-file on that one.  Costco and probably others have the Premier with e-filing federal and state for $65.  Of course, you can still mail them in for the cost of postage, insurance, rproof of delivery...whatever that costs.  Be careful though since USPS no longer considers it 'received' when you give it to them.  

[user17697194783]

The offer is for online for free OR pay $5 for desktop version.  I downloaded the desktop version but then realized it doesn't include e-filing!

[xmasbaby0]

Desktop software always includes free e-file for the federal returns, but there is a $25 fee to e-file the state.  You can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state.

[VolvoGirl]

So what did you get charged $188 for?   The state efile fee is $25.  And if you have the fee deducted from your refund there is an Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California) or you can print and mail state for fee.

You were able to download, install and Activate the Desktop program?   $188 sounds like you used the Online version instead of the Desktop program.

The Desktop download program gives you 5 free federal efiles and state efile is $25.    

[CP01]

Are you saying if I use Fidelity Premier and if I download it instead of using the Online version it will cost me to e-file the federal tax returns? I thought the download gives  5 e-filing for free and would need to pay for the state e-filing. If that's the case why Fidelity say filing is free....Did you use this from Fidelity already?

[xmasbaby0]

That is not what either one of us said.  We told you that with desktop the federal e-file is free and that if you e-file state returns you pay $25 for each state return that you e-file.  The software includes the program to prepare the state returns but there is an extra fee to e-file the states.   And....if you choose to pay that $25 by having it deducted from your federal refund (instead of just using a credit or debit card  to pay $25 before you file) you also pay $40 for a third party bank to receive your federal refund, take out the $25 and send you the rest.

You can completely avoid the state e-file fee with desktop by printing and mailing the state return instead of e-filing it.

[CP01]

I guess I misunderstood, as I initially was asking if anyone used Fidelity Premier free option and if it's really free. 

Thanks

[Vsur]

If I use Fidelity Free Premium online offer, is the State e-file free? 

[bankinggooch]

It doesn't seem to apply to the Desktop version. The Fidelity site discount link took me here -> https://turbotax.intuit.com/affiliate/fidelity# . There are no options to purchase  the Desktop version there. 

If you click on File your taxes and select desktop , then you can access the desktop options. However , they are expensive even with 30% discount. No free or $5 options are in sight.

Amazon actually has lower prices than the Fidelity discount, lol. 

[VolvoGirl]

I have the actual tried and true steps to get Fidelity Desktop program......

You have to get the Fidelity by starting on this page. If you are not already logged into Fidelity it will give you a log in box.
https://www.fidelity.com/accounts-trade/turbotax-discount

That will give you the page for Online Turbo Tax.

To get the Desktop program…..
Click the green Start filing with TurboTax and save 25% button (or whatever percent you get)
It brings up the Fidelity Save 25% Get Started page
Leave that page and tab open
Then in another browser tab go to the Turbo Tax Desktop page here
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download

The Desktop programs can do unlimited returns and efile 5 federal for free.  State is $25 to efile but I don't know if Fidelity covers that.   Or you can print and mail state for free.  

[CP01]

Thank you for providing step by step explanation. I just downloaded the Premium via Fidelity for $5 hope it lets me file at least 2 federal for free as I do my mom's tax as you mentioned. I wish TT would include the state filing for free too.