Turbo Tax 2025 Desktop version is forcing me to pay to eFile Federal

azenz0789 · ‎February 28, 2026

Purchased Turbo Tax 2025 Deluxe Desktop which allows for 5 free Federal efiles. Tried to eFile one and after it says you are almost ready to file, the next screen says "How would you like to pay" - only option is pay with card for $40 or Pay with Federal Refund. How do you fix this. I am not paying to efile Federal, when it is free. I have screen shots of this, who can I send these to? Thank you.

VolvoGirl

It probably thinks you want to efile a state return. OR you might be in the Online version instead of the Desktop program. Are the menu tabs going down the left side in a black or grey bar? That is Online. The Desktop program has the menu going across the top in a blue bar.

Did you get the Desktop program installed and Activated with the 16 digit License Code? The only fee in the Desktop program would be the $25 to efile a state return or you can print and mail state for free. You can pay the state efile fee upfront with a credit card or have it deducted from a refund for an Extra $40 Refund Processing Service charge (45 in California).

azenz0789

Hello - yes, I did purchase the Turbo Tax 2025 Deluxe Desktop version and did receive a license key. I do have the tabs across the top, so I know that I should be able to eFile 5 Federal returns for free and then pay $25 to file the State returns. When I tried eFiling my Federal Return, it only allowed me to either pay $40 with card or deduct from the Refund. I backed out of this screen. I have never seen this before with the Deluxe version. It looks like a gliche. How do I fix this so that I can complete my taxes? Thank you.

cheryldon5

the download version tries to make you pay 40 for expedited money return. you tell no thanks and it takes you n over to the free efile. the one i have does not have the blue bar across the top but should have the five free efiles but i cant find where to make a new return.