Paying for State Return

[Tanelle]

Why did I buy your return program if I still have to pay to file my state returns?

[Kat]

Did you purchase the Desktop (CD/Download) software?  If you did, Deluxe and higher editions include one free state tax preparation program.   However, there is an additional charge to e-file a state return.  You can always print and mail your state return.

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[anrb]

Why not make it clear that there is an additional fee to E-file?!!

[Kat]

The state e-filing fee when using the Desktop (CD/Download) platform can be viewed by clicking on the hyperlink that says, "1 state download" on the webpage.  That opens up the window showing the e-filing fee for your state return.  I'm sharing a screenshot in this post.

You can always print and mail your state return for no charge.

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[niceguy3363]

"You can always print and mail your state return for no charge." is not an accurate statement.

In 2009, Nebraska enacted an e-file mandate; although it may be possible to print and file a tax return, it requires additional forms and work to figure out without help from TurboTax.

In the end, this reminds me why I used other software in previous years. Even though I paid for the state return, it is underhanded to have this hidden fee.

[LindaB1993]

I understand your point of view regarding the additional charge to Efile a state tax return.

When Using the TurboTax desktop editions there is an e-file charge that is currently $19.99 , (the early price will expire around March 1, 2020)( the e-file charge after March 1, 2020 will be $ 24.99) when e-filing a state tax return.  This additional charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

There are no e-file fees for a federal tax return.  The desktop editions include 5 free federal e-files.  Any tax returns over 5 have to be printed and mailed. 

[Kat]

@LindaB1993 The current price (2/17/2020) to e-file a state return in the Desktop platform is $19.99.  But that price ALWAYS goes up as the filing deadline nears.

@niceguy3363 I was unaware of an e-file mandate for Nebraska.  I do know that NY requires e-filing, and I'm betting other states will go to that soon.  Are Nebraska taxpayers penalized for mailing a return?    

I, too, hate the state e-filing fee.  And I agree that the fee is somewhat hidden.  Just be aware that this fee will increase in the near future.  So if you're ready to e-file your state return, you may want to do that sooner than later.  

[LindaB1993]

Thank you for the correction @ Kat.  I have edited my post to reflect the current price of $19.99.

After March 1, 2020, the price will increase to $24.99.  

[Kat]

@LindaB1993 Thanks for the date of the price increase!  (I thought they just waited until I'm ready to file before raising the price).  😂😂

[Realfiler]

WHAT A RIPOFF. I PAID ENOUGH FOR DELUXE WHICH STATED IT INCLUDED ONE STATE RETURN. NEVER SAID YOU NEED TO PAY $25 EXTRA TO EFILE THE STATE RETURN. DON'T YOU THINK THAT SHOULD BE MADE CLEAR BEFORE IT IS PURCHASED? 

[JackFrost]

TurboTax is not responsible for state e-file fees.  The software to do the preparation is included in the price of TurboTax with the stated limit for the number of different states allowed without an additional charge.  Every state that has an income tax has different rules that can always be obtained from the state tax authority.  New residents should always check the state they are moving to or working in to find out the individual requirements.  In addition to using TurboTax for well over 20 years I worked for them for one tax season about 10 years ago.  Things have undoubtedly changed since then.

[Kat]

@JackFrost I do believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that the state e-filing fee is a TurboTax fee.  The additional e-filing fee is not present in the Online platform, but only in the Desktop (CD/Download) platform.

[lbradha1]

I purchased the turbotax at Target, however, every year I'm asked to pay for the STATES. I received rental income from a different state. Why do I have to pay for both? I can't stay quiet anymore.

Thanks!

[JackFrost]

Since the decade ago that I worked for TurboTax one season I have personally used the Deluxe version that I purchased online as a CD and installed on my PC.  Although I live in one of the states that do not have an income tax (yet) I have the ability to download and use one state software should I need it.  Any additional state will be charged for by TurboTax.  In either case the individual state also charges a filing fee that goes to the state, not TurboTax.  I realize this is not intuitive as it seems to me that the actual cost to the state is less when you file electronically instead of printing and mailing.  I hope that there is no state that is so far behind technically that they actually have to manually enter the data that is filed electronically.  Also, a decade ago my wife worked from home online for a New Your based company and I had to file their state tax.  I am not a tax expert at all as my position during the one season I worked for TurboTax was technical support of the software, not tax advice.

[Kat]

@lbradha1 There is one edition of TurboTax Deluxe Desktop (CD/Download) that is sold primarily in states without a state income tax.  Those specific editions DO NOT include one free state tax preparation program.  Your packaging should indicate whether or not your edition includes a free state program.

Additionally, there is always an additional charge to e-file a state return using the Desktop software.  Each state return that is e-filed will mandate that payment.  You can always print and mail your state return to avoid that additional state e-filing charge.

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