From what I see on my screen, you are using the online version of "TurboTax Free Edition". Filing a federal return is free. Filing a state return costs.If you purchased the CD version that you physically install on your computer, that's not what my screen shows you're using. After you install the program on your computer from the CD, you have to click the "TurboTax 2016" icon on your desktop, to start and use the program.
Sorry, but you did not read my question properly. I said "I bought the $54.85 version of TurboTax Premier and I am asked to pay $19.99 to e-file the state taxes". I created a TurboTax profile to ask this question, not because I am using the free version of the product. Thanks anyway.
Still doesn't clarify if it's the desktop version or online version. Since your profile shows you're using the online free version, yet you state it's the premier version, we don't know if it's premier online or premier desktop. So nobody can provide you any useful feedback as of yet.
TurboTax Premier 2016 Tax Software Federal & State + Fed Efile PC download [Amazon Exclusive]
If the packaging the CD came in doesn't say something on it along the lines of "one free state included", then you pay for the purchase of the state program, and pay again to e-file the state program.
If the package does indicate one free state included, then you get to download and install one state return software package at no charge. But when you file that state, if you e-file you pay to e-file. But you can print, sign and mail the state return at no additional charge.
Desktop Premier only comes in a combo version Federal and State. But only the Federal efiles are free. Efiling of each state return is 19.99, except free for New York. One can print and mail the state return for free. I left additional info below.
In the desktop editions, there is a 19.99 fee to efile each state return (may rise to 24.99 later in filing season.). There is no state efile fee for New York State. There is no fee to print and mail the state return.
In the desktop editions that are Federal & State (such as Premier), it is the state program that is included. But the state efile fee, however, is extra.
As you can see from the product description you wrote above, it says it prepares both Federal and State, and that the Federal efile is included.