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New Member
posted Jun 3, 2019 5:46:42 PM

To charge an additional $24.99 to efile the state return, when your package states "free" state return, is misleading. LET THE BUYER BEWARE?

You don't need more details???

1 17 9362
1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:43 PM

Also be aware that to have the state efile fee or any additional services deducted from your Federal refund there will be an EXTRA $39.99 Refund Processing Service charge.  In both the Desktop and Online versions.  So pay up front with a credit card to avoid the extra charge.  Then your federal refund will go directly from the IRS to your bank account and not though the intermediate bank to take the fees out.

17 Replies
Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:43 PM

Also be aware that to have the state efile fee or any additional services deducted from your Federal refund there will be an EXTRA $39.99 Refund Processing Service charge.  In both the Desktop and Online versions.  So pay up front with a credit card to avoid the extra charge.  Then your federal refund will go directly from the IRS to your bank account and not though the intermediate bank to take the fees out.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:46 PM

There is a lot of confusion about this. For the Desktop versions Deluxe and above, it's a free download of one state preparation PROGRAM, not returns filed. You can prepare unlimited federal and unlimited state returns. Some people need to file in more than one state so they have to buy another state program at 39.99. You can print and mail the state for free or each state return (including the first one) is 19.99 until Mid March, then goes to 24.99.

Box says Federal Returns & Federal E-File plus State returns.  It does not say state efiling is included.  It also says on the back on my CD case in the chart comparing the versions.....
1 state product via download (print free  or efile for $19.99 each) prices subject to change without notice.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:47 PM

Sorry but you need to read the details on anything you buy ... this has been the same way forever.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:49 PM

I always e-file the Federal and mail the state for the cost of postage.  Done this for years.   State e-fileing from the CD/download versions has NEVER been free (except New York).   Also beware that there two versions of the Deluxe CD, one with free state *software* and one without that is cheaper if you do not file a state return.

Level 15
Jun 3, 2019 5:46:50 PM
New Member
Mar 28, 2020 9:31:29 AM

I was annoyed by this as well...I downloaded from the website without buying a CD so I did not realize the state e-file was not included. I would have just printed it, but with government services being impacted by the Corona Virus when I filed, I thought it was best just to suck up the unexpected charge. I've been using Turbo Tax for years and do not recall paying for state twice...maybe next year I try another companies product.

Level 15
Mar 28, 2020 9:41:04 AM

The state PROGRAM is included in all the downloaded versions except BASIC when purchased thru TT directly ... efiling of the state return is extra ... always has been always will.   You have the option to print and mail the return instead if you wish. 

New Member
Apr 12, 2020 3:57:21 PM

Truly , this feels so bad. When I called in last year ( 2019) , someone waived this off without saying anything. 

I will sulk but e-file this year . Next year, bye bye turbo. 

Level 1
May 14, 2020 3:30:12 PM

All efiles should be free. We already pay for federal and additional states.

New Member
Jul 12, 2020 2:59:06 PM

Same experience, one State return FREE is what it said yet you are charged $24.99. I have been using Turbotax for years, this is the first time I have encountered this issue. I shall be demanding a refund. I consider this to be illegal/misleading advertising.

Has anyone been successful in obtaining a refund from Turbotax ????

Am totally Pissed !!!! 

 

New Member
Jul 12, 2020 3:02:17 PM

kay_kay !, do you have a phone # for the jokers?

New Member
Mar 18, 2021 3:30:34 PM

I paid the $25 to file the State return but the Federal return was rejected. Tried 10 times. I finally printed and mailed them. How do I get a refund. 

Intuit Alumni
Mar 18, 2021 3:44:11 PM

Help requesting a refund has been provided by clicking here.

New Member
May 10, 2023 9:11:26 PM

Thanks.. but the gauntlet one has to move through to get the refund is intense. There are so many rules in place, that only a select few offendees can actually get the refund. So, yes, there's a window into the refund process (you provide) but that window's closed for most requests. Thanks for your info tho... for a select few it might work. 

New Member
May 10, 2023 9:14:17 PM

There's many pitfalls into one might fall with Turbo. 

 

1. any upgrade (whether used or not, whether needed or not) is non-refundable. The ONLY way to get around this is to erase all your filing data and start from scratch.

2. if paying the government through Turbo, there's a hefty "convenience fee" you must pay to a third-party parasitical company. 

 

there are many pitfalls... as my name suggests: When working with Turbo ... Buyer Beware. 

Level 15
May 11, 2023 5:22:12 AM

@buyer beware While you may have some valid cautions to pass along, you may want to gain a better understanding of some of the things you are alleging---for instance---the fees for paying your federal tax online:  See the

IRS

site---there are fees assessed for using the IRS site and paying tax due by credit or debit card:

 

https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card

Level 15
May 11, 2023 1:37:49 PM

@buyer beware    If you upgrade and want to go back to a lower version without starting over and losing your info, one thing you can do is buy a lower version of the Desktop program like Deluxe. All the Desktop versions have the same forms. Then you can switch from Online without starting over. You can download the .tax2022 file from online for free and open it in the Desktop program (any version). And the Desktop program has several other features and benefits over the Online version too. See the Desktop CD/Download programs here,
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download


You can download the .tax2022 data file without paying for Online and continue in the desktop version. First download the .tax2022 file from Online. How to Save the tax file
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data-file/00/25740


How to switch to the Desktop program
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/how-do-i-switch-from-turbotax-online-to-the-turbotax-software/00/26129