Why does Turbotax Self-employed want to charge me $44.99 plus $24.99 to e-file to deduct e-filing fees for California State Tax filing?

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

Whoa.  Are you using the Online Self Employed version or the Desktop CD/Download Home & Business program?

Ok I think you are in the Desktop Home & Business program.  Yes there is a 24.99 fee to efile the state return or you can print and mail state for free.  THEN if you want the 24.99 fee deducted from your federal refund there is an EXTRA 39.99 Refund Processing Service charge (44.99 in California) or you can pay the 24.99 efile fee upfront with a credit card and avoid the extra charge.

If you are in California you need to remove the Premium Service
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2154391-how-do-i-remove-premium-services

Go back through the File tab and watch what you click on.  I’ll post a screen shot.

[VolvoGirl]

Watch out for the screen I posted above.

[tahill66]

So if you want to efile but you don't have a current credit card to use you have to pay $69.98 to efile the State return in CA to pay for them to deduct the fees from your federal return? On top of what I paid for the software? Which btw, I downloaded to my MacBook Pro.

[VolvoGirl]

Sorry yes.  Can you use a relatives or friends card?  Or get a prepaid Visa or Debit card at Walmart or somewhere.

[tahill66]

It’s my aunts return I completed for her. And her refund is only 198.00 not worth paying out those fees for that amount of a refund. I think it’s a rip off.

[VolvoGirl]

Then just pay the 24.99 with a credit card to efile state or print and mail it for free.