Turbotax charges

[thomaspodany7717]

I was charged three times for the software I purchased, for each return I submitted.  I feel it is unfair that turbotax does this when it is clear I purchase the software automatically each year, and it is advertised it is for more than one user per family.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you use the Desktop program?  Sometimes people accidentally use the online version instead of the installed program.  If there was a black menu bar down the left side that was Online.

For the Desktop program you get 5 free Federal Efiles.  In the Desktop program you get one free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited state returns. 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.  

[xmasbaby0]

We cannot see which software you used.  Did you use desktop software---the CD/download?   If you used the CD/download you can prepare and e-file up to five federal returns with no additional charge and prepare state returns too if you purchased a version with state software.  The only additional charge with that software would be the state e-filing fee.  You can avoid the state e-file fee if you print and mail the state returns.

But if you used online software, you only get one return per fee.   And federal and state are separate fees.

[Thomas7717]

I used the CD.  Still, I was charged $40 for each of my two children who filed separately.  I believe the program is written not to recognize a pre-purchased CD unless the primary user logs online first. This is a flaw, as no warning is given that these charges will be assessed until the user files.  Also, unfair. 

[DoninGA]

If you paid $40 for tax returns then you were using the online editions and not the TurboTax software you installed on your personal computer.  

When using the TurboTax desktop software there is no reason at all to sign onto the TurboTax online editions.

You could have created, completed and e-filed their tax returns using the desktop editions at no charge unless a state return was also included and then there would have been a state e-file charge of $25 which could also be avoided by printing and mailing the state return.

[VolvoGirl]

@Thomas7717   Did they or you do their returns on your computer?  The only extra fee in the Desktop program is the $20 or 25 to efile a state return.  Unless you had to buy another state program for a different state or added the Audit Defense.  That is optional.    When you go through the FILE tab you need to go slowly and read all the screens carefully and watch what you click on.   There are a couple screens that can trip you up if you go fast and click on the wrong button at the bottom.

Did they have trouble installing it on their computers?   Or did they end up using the Online version instead of the Desktop program?  You don't need to log into Online to prepare new returns using the Desktop program.   I don't know how that happens but it seems to happen a lot.