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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 4:30:41 PM

I bought turbotax software and 1 state file was suppose to be free. But it charged me. Why

I bought Intuit Turbitax from Costco and 1 state tax was suppose to be free. Even when I install the CD software it says so . But when I filed mine it charged and when I filed for my daughter it also charged. Why?

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24 Replies
Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:42 PM

One state program is included...however there is a fee to efile each state return...avoid the extra fee & mail the state returns. 

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:43 PM

FALSE ADVERTISEMENT!!! It even asked "would you like to use your free state efile on this return?" I choose YES and it still demanded $24.99 in order to efile my state return.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:44 PM

I agree, complete false advertisement, they have always done this.  Federal doesn't charge, why do they charge for state?

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:50 PM

TOTAL B.S.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS FALSE ADVERTISING IN ITS PUREST SENSE!!!!!!!!!  GOING TO REPORT THESE THIEVES TO THE FTC.  RECOMMEND EVERYONE ELSE DO THE SAME.  LYING IS PART OF THE PROBLEM WITH COUNTY AND THESE CROOKS AT INTUIT SHOULD BE CALLED OUT ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:51 PM

Sorry but read the box again....it clearly says one free state program included not one free state E filing.  And it has been the same forever so I doubt you will get any sympathy from the FTC for your failure to read the box.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:53 PM

But its not the efile cost that is the issue.  They want to charge for the free state down load of the state tax program to prepare the state return, $39.95.  Why whats up with this

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:54 PM

Read your box. Deluxe is sold both with and without state software.  Did you purchase the version without state software?

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:58 PM

If your box does include the state program then contact TT support after the holiday to remedy this situation :

Contact TurboTax support and speak directly with a TurboTax support agent concerning this situation.
See this TurboTax support FAQ for a contact link and hours of operation -<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number">https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number</a>

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:30:59 PM

I called twice.  The representatives hung up on me twice when they couldn't figure it out how to get "Free" state installed on my premium software.  What a scam and horrible customer service.

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:00 PM

If you are using an ONLINE paid version (Deluxe or better ) then the state is an added charge ... there is no way around that fact.    

If you bought a downloaded/CD version then the Deluxe is sold with & without the state ... so where did you buy it ?  Does your box or receipt say +State ?  

If you bought the Premier or better those do come with the state program but efiling the state has an extra fee.  

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:02 PM

it's really bogus, just charge more for the software..

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:02 PM

the reason the fed & state are charged separately is because there are 9 states that do not need a state return to be filed.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:04 PM

I have called three different times to Turbotax. They are horrible and I'm shocked that Intuit isn't better run. They told me that OH state download would not be available until all forms are released. However, the magic of Turbotax online is that it has no problem calculating my OH state return. I just used OH i-file online and bypassed Turbotax. Next year I will just buy Federal without state or use TaxAct for cheaper.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:05 PM

I believe that the fact that only 9 states do not have to file a State is a ridiculous reason to re-package a product that includes 41 states that still need the State version.  I also believe that this is deceptive marketing and may have to bring this up to our State Attorney General for their misleading tactics.  I paid $39 for the Deluxe version then TurboTax charged me an additional $43 for the State download while in the product.  A SCAM!  On hold with Intuit for 30 minutes now and the CS Rep is clueless.  Time to leave TurboTax if this is not resolved soon.  

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:07 PM

If you had bought the downloaded Deluxe version or better from TT directly it will always include a state return ... the Basic does not and it states so on the website.  If you buy from another source then the Deluxe is available with and without the state program ... the buyer needs to read the details carefully.  <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/">https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/</a>

And don't waste your time turning them in ... this has been the standard practice for many years now so I doubt it will change.

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:08 PM

Terrible customer service (or should I say NO SERVICE!).  I have reached out to Intuit twice now in writing to try and get an answer from them on the charge for the State download and still no response after two weeks.  I had heard that they have terrible customer service but this is just outrageous.  It is a wonder they are still in business.  So after years of using TurboTax, I will be taking my loyalty elsewhere, letting my money do the talking in response to their no response!  

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:10 PM

To contact TurboTax customer service/support use their contact website during business hours.  If the problem concerns any type of refund for fees, use the key words billing issues and do Not use the word Refund or you will get a phone number for tax refunds.
Submit your question/problem during business hours and then use the option for Call (a phone number will be provided for Call) to speak directly with a TurboTax agent –
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/">https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact/</a>

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:31:13 PM

I can sympathize with just saying that the computation is included with the software. I can't understand why the submission is not. There are so many other services which do not differentiate between the computation and submission for state filings, that I didn't realize I had to parse through ToS just to understand what I was paying for. I hope that Costco will refund me my $20 for the state filing and drop TurboTax.

Level 2
Feb 7, 2020 3:42:53 AM

On Deluxe and premier they are charging now to download the State forms, which is $39.95 I've never been charged that before. Ever and I've been using TurboTax for years. I understand they still charge to e-file the state but never to download the State Farm's that's something new. That's an additional $40 on top of the $19.95. Can you file a state return? And then you're paying an additional $49.95 for the program. So now you're paying $100. To download State forms e-file the state forms and pay for the tax program whether it's Premier or Deluxe.

New Member
Feb 19, 2020 7:48:00 PM

Thank you for starting this thread, I had the same issue and assumed there must be a mistake. Such a blatant bait and switch, it really pisses me off. 😠

New Member
Feb 25, 2020 1:59:42 PM

I completed filling out the TT Deluxe forms, and progressed to eFile. I got a notice that I needed to "download the state". I questioned that since state forms were completed.

 

I proceeded to download, but what I downloaded was a hidden charge for eFiling the state. This is at best false and misleading advertising.

 

At no point in the program before charging to eFIle was there any notice that I could eFile the state by mail.

I called to speak with an agent, and they said that after eFiling, Intuit would not refund the $19.99 fee.

This false advertising and the fact that the mail filing alternative was never adequately communicated is unacceptable.

 

Intuit should be held accountable.

 

This message sent via online page https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/forums/replypage/board-id/202/message-id/312847 on 25 February,2020 at 3:50 PM CST

New Member
Jun 4, 2020 1:15:35 AM

I was charged twice! We should get a class action suit going!

New Member
Jun 4, 2020 1:17:33 AM

I bought the federal and state. They still charged me twice. Intuit is a bunch of crooks!

New Member
Jul 14, 2020 11:37:05 PM

Agreed. I says on the box "State Returns" with a little box checked. To pay extra for E-File is ludicrous. Join the 21st century where everything is done online. $24.99 to send one electronic file while we already paid almost 100$ for software is so enraging. As well as the 7 different indications along the way that just keep guiding you through it without a clear explanation of your options to just print and mail it. Horrible end to an otherwise painless tax experience.