how can i avoid the $15 charge for 100% maximum refund guarantee

[user21098]

why am i being charge an extra $15 to file

[MindyB]

You are being charged because the optional 100% Accurate/Maximum Refund Guarantee add-on was selected. 

You can remove it, here is how to do this in TurboTax Online:

• Go to File > Step 1 Review your order.
• Find the Guarantee add‑on and select Remove/Remove benefits, then continue to payment.

If you already paid/submitted, the fee can’t be removed.

[user17730805499]

How do I avoid this charge in the desktop version?

[CatinaT1]

To remove the $15 maximum refund guarantee charge (often labeled as MAX Benefits, PLUS, or Audit Defense) in the desktop version of TurboTax before submitting your order, you must re-navigate the review and filing sections to explicitly opt out of the add-on.

Follow these steps to clear the charge:

1. Select the Review tab at the top of your screen.
2. Select the Audit Protection sub-tab.
3. Proceed through the interview screens (including the Audit Risk Meter) until you reach the purchase screen for the service.
4. Uncheck the selection box or select No thanks to decline the coverage and remove the fee.

[MichPede]

I am using the download/desktop version and this did not work. The only thing I could say 'no thanks' to was Audit Protection... there was no way to choose or NOT choose the $15 Maximum Refund Guarantee. I. DO. NOT. WANT. IT!!

[VolvoGirl]

Where did you buy the Desktop program?  There is a $25 fee to efile a state return which some stores like Costco gives you a $10 rebate.  I think It just says 100% maxium refund guarantee when you file, it's not something extra being added.  Except for the state efile fee.

[Inquiry12]

It is added to final cost in addition to state filing fee.

[thomasjforbes]

I am having the same problem. I followed your directions. I can not remove the $15 "Maximum Refund Guarantee" Fee. 

[thomasjforbes]

Responding to my own recent post. I have the Mac TurboTax desktop version. After talking directly to a TurboTax representative I got clarification. (Not to say the software isn't very confusing and misleading.)

If one pays the State eFiling fee by credit card, there is no Maximum Refund Guarantee fee. I went through the process with the Rep on the phone (to make sure). I only paid $15 for State filing. ($10 Costco credit applied to the normal $25 fee). I filed my taxes successfully.

However, I was told if you have TurboTax take the State filing fee out of the Federal refund, they do charge $15. I obviously could not verify that.

[VolvoGirl]

@thomasjforbes   If you want the $15 or $25 state efile fee deducted from your refund there is an EXTRA $40 Pay with Refund service charge ($45 in California).  So the fees would be 15+40=$55.