On line Product

[MAC18]

I understand you can only e-file one tax return using the online product.

1.   However, if using the online product, are you able to complete, print, and mail in an unlimited number of federal tax returns?

2.   If using the online product, how much additional does it cost to complete and e-file a state tax return?

3.  One you pay for a state return, how many state returns can you do?  If the answer is just one return (including e-file), are you able to complete, print and mail in an unlimited amount of state returns - from the same state?

[DoninGA]

Using the TurboTax online editions only one federal tax return can be filed.  Meaning e-fling or printing the same federal tax return.  This is also true for any state tax returns being filed using the online editions.

To complete and file another tax return for someone else you would need to create a new online account with a new User ID.

If you want to file multiple federal and state tax returns for different individuals use the desktop editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

[VolvoGirl]

1. No.  Online is only 1 return per account.  But you can use the same email address for 5 accounts.   How to start another return in the Online version

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...

2.  You can do more than 1 state for one federal return.  Each state is currently $40.

3.  See #2.

Or are you asking about the Desktop program you can download?  The Desktop program can do unlimited returns and efile 5 Federal for free.

You can see and enter directly into the actual forms.

There is a What-If worksheet.

Basic does not include a free state program and has some other limitations like doesn’t import from It’s Deductible.

Deluxe and above include one free state program download to prepare returns for the same state.  Then each state return is $20 to efile (goes up to $25 in March).  Or you can print and mail state for free. If you need to also file a state return for a different state it is $40 to buy an additional state program.

Buy the personal Desktop CD/Download programs here

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

You need a full Windows or Mac computer to install it on.

[MAC18]

I understand each state costs an additional $40 when using the online product.  Does this price include e-filing the state return or is that extra?  How does the state pricing for the online product compare to the CD/Download pricing for doing a state return?

Also, is it possible to purchase, complete, and e-file a state return using the online product without first purchasing and completing an online federal return?  For example, could one use the CD/Download product to do their federal return, but use the online product to do a state return?  Would the online product be able to get all the information it needs to do the state return form the completed federal return that was done using the CD/Download product?

[VolvoGirl]

The online versions include Efiling.  The fee is to prepare the return whether you efile or print and mail.

Online and Desktop are priced differently.  And no you can not switch between them.  They are totally separate.  The only thing you can do is move an Online return to the Desktop program to continue.  But not the other way around.  Oh, but you can transfer from the prior year into either version.

In the Desktop CD/Download program 

You get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns.  Some people need to file in more than one state so they have to buy another state program.

Then each state return (including the first one) is $20 to efile, usually goes up to $25 March 1.  Or you can print and mail state for free.

No, you can not do Federal in the Desktop program and then state online.  You can only efile state if the federal was efiled from the same program or account.

[DoninGA]

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@MAC18 wrote:

I understand each state costs an additional $40 when using the online product.  Does this price include e-filing the state return or is that extra?  How does the state pricing for the online product compare to the CD/Download pricing for doing a state return?

Also, is it possible to purchase, complete, and e-file a state return using the online product without first purchasing and completing an online federal return?  For example, could one use the CD/Download product to do their federal return, but use the online product to do a state return?  Would the online product be able to get all the information it needs to do the state return form the completed federal return that was done using the CD/Download product?

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The TurboTax online account fee is for the use of the software to assist in completing a tax return.  The account fee is the same whether a tax return is e-filed or printed for mailing.  There are no e-file fees using the TurboTax online editions, federal or state.

Using the TurboTax software, online or desktop, you must first complete the federal tax return before starting the state tax return.  The tax data from the federal return flows to the state return.  TurboTax does not have a stand-alone state program.

The tax data from one of the desktop editions for the current tax year cannot be transferred to a current year online tax return.  Only the prior year tax data from the desktop edition can be transferred to the current year tax return.

When purchasing one of the desktop editions from TurboTax one free state program download is included in the purchase price (except the Basic edition).  An additional state program other than the free state program is an additional $40.

There is an e-file charge of $20 when e-filing a state tax return using the desktop editions.  This charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

Prices subject to change on or about March 1.

[MAC18]

I understand the pricing for the CD/Download product and it is very clear on the TurboTax website.  It clearly states what you get for the cost of the product.  However, this is not the case with the online product and I am still a little unclear as to what is included in the price.  Here is my understanding of the online pricing:

1.  Current Premier online price is $70.  This is for completing and filing one federal return only.

2.  There is an additional cost of $40 to complete and e-file of a state return.  So my total cost to complete and e-file my state and federal tax return using the online product is $110.

3.  The above compares to a total cost $120 for completing and e-filing one federal and one state tax return using the CD/Download Premier product. ($100 Federal and State CD and $20 to e-file the state)

4.  If one were going to prepare and e-file two federal and two different state returns, then the Premier online cost would be $220 (70+70+40+40).

5.  Using the Premier CD/Download the cost to complete and e-file two federal and two different state returns would be $180 (100 for the CD + 40 to download one state + 40 to e-file two state returns).

Is my understanding of the pricing correct?

[DoninGA]

@MAC18 Your understanding of the pricing for the online and desktop editions is correct.

[VolvoGirl]

You saw in the Desktop program you can also print and mail state for free.  So you can save the $20 state efile fee.

[xmasbaby0]

Also, is it possible to purchase, complete, and e-file a state return using the online product without first purchasing and completing an online federal return?  For example, could one use the CD/Download product to do their federal return, but use the online product to do a state return?  Would the online product be able to get all the information it needs to do the state return form the completed federal return that was done using the CD/Download product?

No you cannot do that.  Information flows from the federal return to the state return.  You cannot use the online software to prepare a "stand alone" state return.  Use either desktop or online--do not try to perform any fancy footwork that combines the two platforms.