Last step before e-Filing, Keeps wanting me to pay for Audit Defense to continue.

[stlau916]

I bought my TurboTax Premier PC version from Costco. It says I get a free State return.

After finishing inputting my information, I am on the "File" tab process for my TurboTax Premier PC version.

As I am clicking through the steps, I get to the "Payment" step.

It tells me in summary that filing my Federal taxes is free, State of California filing is $24.99 (why?), and asks if I want the "Audit Defense," which I already said no to before.

I click the "Continue" button, but it leads me to the "How Do You Want to Pay?" which I am confused because I didn't click "Add Audit Defense."

It only gives me the options for "Pay with your Credit Card" and "Pay with your federal refund."

I can't get past this step without this phase.

Please help.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

When you use desktop software you get the software to prepare the state return, but there is a fee to e-file the state return. So you either agree to pay the $24.99 or you can choose to print, sign and mail your state return to avoid the state e-file fee.

[Leann15]

I understand about the state filing but how do I avoid paying for the audit defense, this is a product I do not need?  It won't allow me to choose the option of not purchasing, it only keeps asking how I would like to pay.  

[Hammydad]

I agree. I'm at the same place you are. Did you get a satisfactory answer?

[Hammydad]

I bought my Turbo Tax at Sam's Club. I've agreed to pay the 24.99. Why do I have to pay the 34.99 fee? I have indicated I did not want an auditor.

[LeonardS]

Just decline the offer to purchase Audit Defense and you can continue preparing your tax return.

[Leann15]

That would be nice if that were an option.  I bought your software locally, not using the online version.  There was NO option to decline the offer no matter how many ways or times I tried. 

Ended up purchasing Audit Defense so I could file my taxes, trapped.  Next year I'll be looking for another option to file my taxes. 

[Leann15]

Not at all.  I've already talked to my dad who is a tax consultant about different software for next year.  I'm guessing there is a law against trapping someone into purchasing something they don't want.  

[DMarkM1]

Since you have purchased something you did not intend, I suggest contacting a live representative to settle the billing issues.  Use this link.  

[Kenny2375]

It won't let you go past the Final Step. Keeps asking to buy the Audit Defense for $45. Very annoying!!! 😡

[Kenny2375]

How do you decline??? I ignored it by NOT clicking the "Add Audit Defense" button, but it kept coming back to asking me to add it. 

[Kenny2375]

I've been through the same thing, so I called TurboTax Support team. First two persons didn't know what to do. The third one knew her stuff very well. I had to share my screen so she could walk me through. She told me to click on the "Pay By Credit Card" button. I refused but she convinced me to proceed. So, I did. And to my surprise, that was indeed the part that I needed to pay for the $20 State e-filing fee, NOT the $45 Audit Defense fee. Now, both of my Federal & State returns have been accepted. Then, I checked my bank account and credit card, and saw only $20 was charged to my credit card, nothing to my bank account.

[M1J2]

I'm having the same issues. There is no option to bypass choosing 'audit defense'. I've used Turbo for years. This has never happed before.

Can someone help?

Thanks!

[M1J2]

Thank you for sharing. It worked. Still waiting for a rep to pick up

[evelyncita]

I am in the same situation, I don not want the Audit Defense but I wish to pay for e-filing my California taxes with a credit card. The system does not allow me to go further. Please help