Getting the message: The direct debit option is not available due to your filing choices. How can I change that?

In TurboTax, you can pay your IRS taxes directly from your checking or savings account with direct debit.

Here are a few things you should know about direct debit:

• Direct debit is not the same thing as direct deposit.
• You must e-file your return; direct debit in TurboTax isn't available for paper-filers (although we do offer a simple workaround).
• There's no charge for this service.
• The money is withdrawn from your bank account on the date you specify (if filing by the deadline) or when your return is accepted (if filing after the deadline).
• The IRS will withdraw the entire owed amount from your bank account. Direct debit for partial payments isn't available.

Please click What is direct debit and how does it work? to learn more. 

Okay, so how do I change my filing choices to make it so I can use direct debit or a credit card? I owe money to the fed and get money back from the state. 

Rather than providing a work-around, when will TurboTax actually fix this and the many other niggling problems that make this otherwise good software so painful and frustrating to use, especially when we are close to the finish line of getting our taxes done?

You will get this message if you have selected file by mail.  Direct debit through the TurboTax system is not available if you do not file electronically.  There isn't a "fix" for this, if there is no electronic transmission TurboTax can't send the payment information. 

The "workaround" is a bit of a misnomer - it is simply a link to the IRS payment system that allows you to pay without use of a paper check.  

You can mail a check with the return or set up the direct debit here: IRS Payments.

How do I change the choice to file by mail or e-file?  The pay by direct debit option isn't available, only pay by card.

Follow the directions below to switch to the e-filing option.

1. In TurboTax Online, sign into your account.
2. Select Tax Home from the left menu.
3. Scroll down to Your tax returns & documents.
4. Select 2019, and then select Add a State (you're not actually adding a state, this just gets you into the right area).
5. Select File in the left menu (expand your browser window if you don't see this, or select the menu icon in the top left corner).
6. On the Just one more step screen, follow steps 1 and 2 if you haven't already.
7. Select the Start button to the right of Step 3.
8. On the Let's get ready to e-file screen, select I want to e-file.
9. Follow the instructions to e-file your return.

Please click How do I change from mail to e-file in TurboTax Online? to learn more.

There is no 'Add a State' option.

I'm having the same issue, did you find a solution?

@EricScottJP  The thread you are posting on is from last tax season. Are you having issues with adding a state and direct debit? Are you using TurboTax Online or a download product? 

Yes I'm having issues with adding a state and direct debit. I'm using TurboTax Online.

@EricScottJP Please see the TurboTax FAQ below, for information as to why direct debit may not be coming up as a option:

What are my options for getting my state refund or for paying any state taxes I owe?

If you need further assistance, please reach out to us.

Having this exact same issue.  E-filing both Federal and State (IL). Getting a refund on Federal and allows me to setup direct deposit, but for the State it only gives me the option of mailing a check and says that "The direct debit option is not available due to your filing choices."   I chose to e-file my Federal and State...  what else does it want (I have been using Turbotax online for past 12 years)

@macw IRS and most state forms are not yet available you will not be able to complete your tax return and set up direct deposit or direct debit until all needed forms are available to file. You can check on your state's availability here. You can check the IRS forms availability here. If you need further assistance, contact customer support here.

I didn't select "File by Mail" and I'm having this issue.

@hondabones This thread is over a year old.   Please explain what issue you are having.   

I have been using TurboTax for efiling my taxes for last many years. This year I am getting this message "The direct debit option is not available due to your filing choices." I did not select 'by mail' option anywhere. How do I fix this and proceed with efiling?

thanks

@xmasbaby0 I'm having the same issue everyone else is having. There hasn't been an acceptible solution in this year old thread. The problem is very relevant and the thread should be bumped as evident by the other recent posts. I didn't select file by mail, I actually already paid TurboTax for E-File options. TurboTax isn't giving me a way to pay and I'd rather not mail a check to the IRS. I actually can't get a refund so I can "Clear and Restart" just in case I did make a mistake. I paid them in trust that I could file my taxes and I am unable to continue. I've been using TurboTax for years. I filed the same as I always do and this year there's a problem.

@hondabones

 If you have federal tax due you can pay by mailing your payment with the 1040V voucher, (which has the address printed on it, having the payment taken out of a designated bank account, or you can pay directly on the IRS website. 

https://www.irs.gov/payments

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-payments/help/how-can-i-pay-my-federal-taxes/00/26212

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/tax-payments/help/how-do-i-pay-my-irs-tax-due-with-a-check-or-money-order/00/26403 

You must pay your state tax due using the state’s preferred method of receiving payment.  For most states that will be by making a payment to the state’s own tax website, or by mailing a check or money order.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900884-what-are-my-options-for-getting-my-state-refund-or-for-paying-any-state-taxes-i-owe

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901670-how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue

To apply for a payment plan with the IRS

Apply Online for a Payment Plan

I'm having the same issue. It worked but a SSN number was transposed and it was rejected and after that it said due to my filing choices I have to send a check to the state. There is no "Start" button next to File options. I actually think TurboTax Online absolutely SUCKS and their service has gone down to pretty much non-existent.  I already paid to have it filed and now I want my money back.

The fee you paid was to prepare your taxes, not to e-file.  To correct your Rejected return, please see the Help Article here. 

 To confirm, are you using TurboTax Online?  If you have missing buttons, please see the below steps to clear this error:

• Log completely out of Turbo Tax.
• Then, clear your cache and cookies within your browser and completely close out of it.  I have included the Help Articles below if you need assistance with clearing cache or cookies.
• Re-open the browser and log back into Turbo Tax and see if this fixes the situation.
  • You can also try a different browser as well, or "incognito mode".

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, please reach back out here in the thread and someone will follow up with the next steps. 

Clear Cache

Delete Cookies

@dihaber

I have been using TurboTax for many years, and suddenly got this same message about the direct debit option, not being available. 

I tried a few things and could not get it to work, and then I successfully got rid of the error.

I selected in the upper left-hand corner File/Electronic Filing and then I selected” file electronically”. I re-ran the review of the federal return, and the error went away.