When I go to efile the state return, it shows an onscreen cost of $20 sales tax, but once my CC info is entered, suddenly the state efile cost jumps to $25 sales tax?

That's not sales tax...that is the State E-file fee for people using the Desktop software 

(though, Not Applicable for NY state tax filings )

It has always increased from $20 to $25 on ~ 1 March. (OK, at least last 10 years or so)

Seems simple, but Unfortunately, TTX hasn't figured out how to make that date-dependent in the software.  I expect it will show properly in this week's software update (usually Wed or Thurs night), but that's too late a notice for anyone filing on March 1 and 2 .

Yes there will be a delay in Desktop program between March 1 when the price goes up and the next time the program update comes out, usually on Thursdays.  It will show the $20 efile price but you be charged 25. 

Okay - edit my Question above because the system removed the PLUS sign between the numbers and the words sales tax for both amounts.  It should read "$20 PLUS sales tax" and "$25 PLUS sales tax" above.

Thanks for the info on the price change - and WHY would Intuit have it be implemented in the middle of tax season instead of beginning or end?  Just to add to the whole confusion, or to make it seem more bait-and-switch-ish?  Some kind of pop-up screen with the price change info on March 1 would seem like a really good idea to avoid the bad feelings there.

There has always been a price increase in March and the early prices expire.  I think it used to be mid March but several years ago moved up to March 1.  After a couple years you know it's going to happen.  

I've not had to file a state for quite a few years.  I'm doing a friend a favor this year while they are mid-move, and discovering this price increase.  A pop-up announcing this price change would still be an excellent idea for those not aware of the mid-season price change, especially since there is no asterisk on the initial screen announcing this traditional practice.