Hidden Fees for Efile

[cpjimg]

It is misleading to advertise free efile when there is no way to easily opt out of the $40.00 direct deposit processing fee. The instructions concerning the processing fees thru another bank are confusing and lead me to not continue using TurboTax in the future. I have been a subscriber since 2005.

[VolvoGirl]

Are you using the Online version or the Desktop program?  There is no fee to efile.  There is no fee to get Direct Deposit either.

In the Online version the fees are to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail.

There is never a fee to get your refund by Direct Deposit or faster.  Or to get both federal and state refunds together.   The extra $40 Pay with Refund Service charge is only for having the fees deducted from your refund.  Your refund has to go through a 3rd party bank to take the fees out.  Which actually might add a day or two to get your refund after the IRS sends it.  Or you can pay with a credit card to avoid the extra charge.

How to remove the Pay with Refund fee

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-remove-pay-with-my-refund-fees-in-turbot...

[Christinahoward242]

I had the same issue. They wanted a $40 processing fee plus another $40 for completing my state taxes. So I deleted everything and started over. I switched to the free version and now it wont let me transmit my taxes. I have used turbotax for 3 years and never experienced this problem when I used the deluxe version. I can't afford the deluxe version this year and I shouldn't be forced to use it if I don't need it. If it's not fixed tomorrow I will delete my info again and use another company

[VolvoGirl]

There are 2 different Free Online versions.  Turbo Tax Free Edition and the IRS Free File website.  If you don't qualify for the Free Edition  you might qualify for the Free File website.

There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things.

AGI $39,000 or less.

Active duty military with AGI of $72,000 or less

OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website.  Click on Sign in at the top right.  It may let you continue your return so you don't have to start over.

https://freefile.intuit.com/