When you use desktop software, there is an additional fee to e-file a state return. You can avoid that fee if you print, sign and mail the state return. The state e-file fee is $19.99 and increases in March.
I understand that there is a $20 ($19.99) state e-file fee. When I go to file is wants to charge me and extra $20.00, for a total of $40, under "Maximum Refund Guarantee". I am trying to determine why it is charging this "extra" fee.
I don't think there is another $20 fee for anything. You might be seeing a $40 fee in addition to the $20 state efile. So it might actually be $60. There is a $40 Pay with Refund Service charge if you want the state fee deducted from your refund.
Go back though the File tab and watch the screens. There is one at the end that's easy to click on the wrong button. Watch out for this screen.
There IS an additional and NEW fee of $20 as shown below. This is in addition to the $20 state e-file fee.
Have you looked at your credit card statement? Does it show a charge of more than $20 for the date that you e-filed?
No one in the user forum can resolve a billing issue. If you have a question about your TurboTax fees or billing, make sure you use the word “billing” in your request for help. Do not use the word “refund.”
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899263-what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number
You are totally right! When I went to the next screen I saw a $40 charge (which I believe was the cost if you want them to deduct the $20 from the return) and I assumed it was an additional charge. Apologies for the confusion.
Totally my mistake. It just happened that a charge for deducting the fee from the return was $40, the same as 2 $20 charges, so I made an assumption without reading it carefully enough. Apologies for the confusion.
So you saw that extra 40? Do you want to avoid it?
Go back through the File tab slowly and watch the screens and be careful what you click on. There is one screen that can trip you up. I think people get going too fast at the end to file and don't pay attention to what they are clicking on to continue.
bought turbotax with state filing included but TURBO TAX charged me an additional $20. getting screwed by turbo tax
In the desktop software (CD/download) there is a 19.99 fee to efile a state return. The other fee is NOT for "Maximum Guarantee". It's a service fee for the optional method of payment you chose. If you pay the 19.99 (plus possible sales tax) upfront with credit/debit card or a prepaid debit card you can buy in a store, there is no additional fee.
However, if you choose the option to pay the 19.99 fee out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee. You can avoid that $40 or $45 fee by not selecting to pay your fees by that optional method and paying your 19.99 fee upfront directly by card as I mentioned above.
Please let us know if this helps.
@carrillo9876 In the Desktop program it is not a state filing but 1 free state PROGRAM download to prepare unlimited returns in that state. Then each state efile (including the first one) is $20 (goes up to 25 on March 1). Or you can print and mail state for free.
I have used turbo tax(free efile for fed and 1 state) for years and have never seen this extra $20 fee at the end. Now that I have to submit 2 states, I not only had to pay $40 for the extra state through intuit and now $20 each per state at the end? Explain why again please? This does not make sense.
As @TiffanyL mentioned. In the desktop software, there is a $19.99 fee to e-file a state return. The other fee is not for "Maximum Guarantee". It's a service fee for the optional method of payment you chose. If you pay the $19.99 (plus possible sales tax) upfront with credit/debit card or a prepaid debit card you can buy in a store, there is no additional fee.
However, if you choose the option to pay the $19.99 fee out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee. You can avoid that $40 or $45 fee by not selecting to pay your fees by that optional method and paying your 19.99 fee upfront directly by card.
You can see what you are being charged for. Click on Tax Tools from the Menu on the left side in your return. Click Tools then My Fees.
How do I review my fees in TurboTax Online?
If you need further assistance, you can contact support.
This FAQ will provide you with the steps to contact an agent.
@skidac5 If you are using the CD/download, there has been a fee to e-file the state return for years. The software included the program to prepare the state return but there has been a fee to e-file the state. The fee to e-file state is $20 and increases to $25 in March. You can easily avoid the state e-file fee by printing and mailing the state.
@skidac5 Have you been using the Desktop program each year? The free state has always been only to download 1 state PROGRAM, which can prepare unlimited state returns. Then you have to buy any other different state programs at $40 like you did.
Then each state (including the first one) has always had a fee to efile. It used to be 19.95 but went up to $20 a couple years ago. Then the early fees expire on March 1 and go up to $25. Or you can print and mail state for free. If you don't remember paying for state efile you either mailed it or check your credit card records or you might have had it deducted from a federal refund (for which there is another EXTRA $39.95 Pay with Refund fee).
The $40 is a joke. You can save this Green Dot scam imo by filing the federal first. Then, wait 5 minutes and file your state separately. I still had to pay $20 for an Oregon state processing fee on my credit card but it was worth it for sure.
One disclaimer - if you file separately YOU HAVE to pay with a credit card. The option of having the $40 from your federal return goes away because you have already filed your federal. I wonder how much of a kickback TT is getting from GreenDot/Santa Barbara llc for this extra step. If you read the fine print for the $40 option, your money goes to GreenDot and then the $40 comes out and then the rest of your refund goes to your personal bank account. This is a Joke!!!