Purchased Turbo Tax Deluxe. Ad says 5 free Federal Efiles, 1 free State Efile. I am getting charged for my state efiles. Why am I not getting my free state efile?

[xmasbaby0]

Perhaps you have not used the CD/download in the past.   There has been a charge to e-file state returns with desktop software for years and years.   You can avoid the e-file fee if you print and mail the state returns.

[MICEY42]

I think TurboTax is being greedy. I will start to prepare my taxes elsewhere. I thought I made a mistake. I too paid extra for the one free stat return, NOT download. thats ridiculous. I've been using this a long time and Ive never had this issue.  

[stevex1561]

Agree with DoninGA (sp?)

I've used TT for over 10 years, always purchasing the deluxe CD version from Costco.  E-file has always been included for Federal but never State (was $20 now I guess increased to $25).  I have ALWAYS printed and mailed in my state, especially now since I have 3 returns (mine + 2 kids) and I don't know if the $25 is per state or I get 5 CA e-files for one fee.

If you have simple returns, use the free version.  Even though I consider my taxes simple, looking at the resulting forms in my returns, TT is worth 10X what I pay for the product me and complaining about spending $2 on postage is silly.

Last time I used an accountant (which I would have to do given some of my tax circumstances), I spent $1200

[VolvoGirl]

In the Desktop program the $25 state efile fee is for EACH state return (including the first one).  It is $20 early before March 1 then the early prices expired and increased to $25.  Or you can print and mail state for free.

[billdick3462]

pretty much a scam when push comes to shove

[AllisonArndt87]

Doing taxes always sucks, but I've used Turbo's website + the free edition for ages & it's been the least objectionable method available (when the state file was extra, I just vetoed their upcharge & used the WI free efile).  My job's categorized as "self-employed" so the last couple years I was forced to use the $60 version - so this spring I snagged the comparable Deluxe cd @ a retail store when it was on sale...but installed the desktop version instead of just entering the code online.  BIG MISTAKE -- that made things WAY worse this time (even though my only difference was some brief stim check/Covid-related items) & the 1 included state file probably got negated w/ all the drama, so that was the key.  Luckily that anger-making $20/$25 loophole is approx. the markdown I got up front, so that's the distinction.  Turbo SHOULD do better re: the clarity of their different options + which applies to your situation (NOT after the fact) but realistically, most of the legit services/products do this kind of stuff (they're not charities)...so like most things in our capitalist economy, it's about shopping around & deciding the cost/benefit ratio for your specific scenario   : /

[colemansapphire]

I paid for turbo deluxe but was unable to file my returns.

[colemansapphire]

I did not get free state anything WHY?

[DoninGA]

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@colemansapphire wrote:

I did not get free state anything WHY?

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The TurboTax Deluxe edition or higher purchased from TurboTax includes one free state software program download included in the purchase price.  If purchased from retail the Deluxe edition may be purchased with or without the state program download included.

The software includes 5 free federal tax returns e-files.  When all 5 federal e-files have been used then further federal tax returns can only be printed and mailed.

There is a $25 state e-file fee for each state tax return e-filed.  This charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

[xmasbaby0]

@colemansapphire We cannot tell from your post what software you are using.  Did you use online TurboTax or did you use the CD/download?   You do not get a free state return with online TT; you pay separately for state tax preparation with online.   With the CD/download you get the software for one state UNLESS you purchased "Basic" or Deluxe without the state--it is sold both with and without state software so you have to pay attention to what you are buying.

As for filing----when did you  attempt to e-file?   Did you attempt to e-file before the October 15 deadline--or after the deadline?

[tonylatha]

Same here.  It said free at first but since I did not file at that time and went back in it charged me for state e-file.

[CarissaM]

@tonylatha If you are using the Turbo Tax Desktop, the state program is free to use and file by mail, however if you choose to e-file there is a fee for the e-file. 

[BobW10]

I agree, the deceptive marketing of 

• Includes 5 federal e-files and 1 State via download ($40 value*). State e-file sold separately. Free U.S.-based product support.

• 

Tried to file the state tax and the application will not allow me to make a payment for the State Filing!

[mesquitebean]

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@ BobW10 wrote:

Tried to file the state tax and the application will not allow me to make a payment for the State Filing!

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How is it "not allowing?"   What/where happens?   Any error message?   You're using the Premier desktop software which includes a state program, so I presume you are referring to the $20 state efile fee.

If you don't get a suggestion in this user forum and need to speak to TurboTax Customer Support, hours are currently 5AM-9PM Pacific (8AM-12 Midnight Eastern) 7 days/week.

FAQ: What is the TurboTax phone number?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

[Paulette478]

I purchased Home and Business and have to prepare 4 returns for friends. Three are in the state of CA and one in NE.   I understand I only get one state tax return software per my purchase. If I use that one for the NE tax will I have to buy three state tax return software programs to do the Ca returns