Free Michigan state filing

[yocoarnold]

I have prepared my returns but it says I have to pay for the Michigan refund. I thought the state was free. Also, I get no refund from either state or federal so why can't I file them by mail?

[xmasbaby0]

If you are using online software you pay separate fees for federal and state returns.   Your fee is not based on whether you are getting a refund or how much the refund will be--it is based on which version of the software you used.   The fee for using online is the same whether you e-file or file by mail.

If you are using desktop download software there is a $25 state e-file fee which you can avoid if you print and mail the state.

[yocoarnold]

Just for clarification. If I buy the download version, I can file both state and federal by mail with no additional fee?

[xmasbaby0]

@yocoarnold With the desktop download you can e-file up to five federal returns and the state returns that go with them----there is a $25 state e-file fee which can be avoided if you print and mail the state instead of e-filing it.

[DawnC]

If you use TurboTax Desktop, you can file five federal returns with up to three state returns each.   See this TurboTax FAQ

Per IRS rules, you can only e-file up to five federal returns using the same email address or phone number with personal tax return preparation products.

[yocoarnold]

Is the download version shareable?

[yocoarnold]

You said there is a $25 fee for the state. Is there a seperate fee for Fed?

[JamesG1]

By 'shareable', do you mean that may you use the Desktop software to electronically file your brother's and your sister's tax return?  Yes, you may.

[yocoarnold]

No. Can one license be shared on more than one desktop?

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

Yes. You can prepare and print or e-file up to 5 of your own federal and state tax returns with TurboTax Desktop.   You’ll still be able to install the software on up to 5 computers owned by you (at home or at work).   See this TurboTax FAQ

[yocoarnold]

Can the fed return be filed by mail with no fee?

[DawnC]

Yes.   You can prepare and file by mail - as many returns as you want with the desktop software. 

[yocoarnold]

Thanks Dawn. I prepared my returns online but couldn't print to file by mail. I'll buy the download version and avoid the e-file fees and file by mail. Any discounts on the downloadable version?

[yocoarnold]

Last question. Can information be transferred from past filings if using a different desktop and owner? Example: I prepared someones taxes for the first time on my computer. Will their information transfer from their previous filings?

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

Here is a link to purchase the desktop product.   

When you use desktop, you can save your return (or anyone else's you prepared) as a tax file and a PDF.    The tax file can be read by TurboTax desktop or TurboTax Online.      Click this link to see what TurboTax will transfer in from a 2023 tax return.