Premier or Deluxe product?

[Monarch]

My returns are straightforward.  I don’t rely on Turbo Tax advice.  But I do have real estate and stock investments.  Next year, I’ll start taking RMDs.  

Since Turbo Tax Premier and Deluxe products have the same description, I wonder which one to choose.  If I can save money without losing any ability to file properly, I’d choose Deluxe.

Also, the description says “includes 5 federal E-files and one state via download.”  This is poorly written and doesn’t list the filing cost per state.  How much does it cost to E-file a California return?

Please explain the difference between Premier and Deluxe. And when should we choose one or the other.  And the cost of E-filing in California.

 Thanks and Happy New Year!

[Critter-3]

You must use Premier  if you use online TurboTax program or you can use ANY  version of desktop software that you download/install from a CD...  Basic if you don't need a state return and Deluxe or better if you do.  

Now if you wait until the IRS FREE FILE opens in mid to late January and your income is below the max allowed ( last year it was $72K ) then you can file for free ...    https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

ONLINE 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/

CD/DOWNLOAD (This requires a full PC or Mac—-cannot be used on a mobile device)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

You can also purchase the CD/download from various retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Sam’s Club, etc. etc. etc.

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

When you use desktop software, there is an additional fee to e-file a state return.  You can avoid that fee if you print, sign and mail the state return.  The state e-file fee is $19.99 and increases in March.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/system-requirements/help/minimum-system-requirements-for-turbotax-...

[VolvoGirl]

Here is the page showing the Desktop programs.   If you click on the words  - 1 state download. State efile additional  it will open a box.  Scroll down to the bottom of that box to see the efile fee.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/desktop/ 

I made a screen shot

[SteamTrain]

....AND.....(for Desktop users only) while the state e-file fee shows now as $20, many people fail to notice that it also says the price is date dependent.

In prior years, the state e-file price increased to $25 on & after ~1March.   We don't know if the expected date, or price increase amount will be exactly the same this year.