Why does it cost an extra 40 bucks to use my return to pay for something the cost 30?

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

When you choose to pay the fees out of your Federal refund, that is handled by a third-party company (SBTPG) who sets up a temporary bank account in your name at one of their 2 banks.  Then that bank receives your funds from the IRS, subtracts the fees, then sends the rest of your funds on to your bank (or card.)  Then the intermediary company closes your temporary bank account.

The fee for that service is 39.99 in most states (44.99 for California filers.)

You will save money to pay the product fee upfront with credit/debit card or a prepaid debit card you can buy in a store for a few bucks.

We can tell you how to properly remove that option prior to filing and then pay upfront.