TurboTax Desktop software charges

[Beki]

I have the product key for 2021 desktop download but it still wants to charge me to efile federal.  Where do I enter the Key?

[xmasbaby0]

We cannot see which version of the software you are in.    You enter the license key at the time that you download the software.   Did you accidentally use online software instead of downloading and using the desktop software?   Did you "log on" to an account and prepare your return using the web-based software?

  If you are using online, you are using the wrong program.  You need to switch to the desktop software to get what you paid for.  You have to download it, update it and open it up from your own hard drive to use it.  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-th...

[Beki]

No, I am using a downloaded version of the Windows desktop version.  It was downloaded by a friend and it can be used on three computers, and multiple (not sure how many) returns.  It is installed on my PC, not the online version.  

[xmasbaby0]

If you downloaded the software to your own hard drive then you are not being charged to e-file a federal return.   Are you trying to e-file a state return?  With the CD/download there is a $25 fee to e-file a state return.  You can avoid that fee if you print and mail the state return.

[Beki]

He downloaded it to his PC, then copied the program and installation files to a thumb drive, and I installed from there.  It is NOT a CD version.  We have done this before, and have not had this issue.

[xmasbaby0]

"Desktop" and "CD/download" are the same thing.   And...you are not being charged for e-filing a federal return if you are really using the desktop software.  Where is your tool bar?  Is it on the top or along the side---is it a vertical tool bar?

[Beki]

The toolbar is at the top.

[xmasbaby0]

How much is it trying to charge you?   If it is a fee of $25 that is the state e-file fee.   And it could also be offering you the foolish choice of paying that $25 fee by using your federal refund---for an extra refund processing fee of $39.99.

[Beki]

[Beki]

It want's the $25, which I understand, but it wants $40 for the federal e-file

[Beki]

I just went through it again, and it didn't ask for the extra.  I must have done somethings wrong along the way.  Thanks.

[xmasbaby0]

No----that is not a fee for federal.   They are giving you the opportunity to pay the third party bank an extra "refund processing fee"  of $39.99 in order to take the $25 out of your federal refund.   Do not fall for it.   Either pay the $25 state e-file fee upfront with a credit/debit card or print and mail the state instead of e-filing it.