Will TTax repeat its practice of charging customers to have their return direct deposited, like last year?

You misunderstood.  There is no charge to get Direct Deposit.  The extra $40 charge was to have the fees deducted from a federal refund.  You can avoid that charge by paying the fees upfront with a credit card.  Then your refund goes directly from the IRS to your bank account and not through the 3rd party bank to take the fees out.

 

What is the Refund Processing Service

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900596-what-is-the-refund-processing-service

 

Remove Pay with Refund fee

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-remove-pay-with-my-refund-fees-in-turbotax-online-and-change-my-payment-method/00/25880

 

 

There is no fee to have your refund direct deposited.  There is a "refund processing fee" of $40 (or $45 in CA) if you choose to pay your TurboTax fees by having the fees deducted from your federal refund.  Avoid that fee.  Pay the TT fees upfront by using your own credit or debit card BEFORE you file the return.   

 

How can I see my TurboTax  fees? 

 

  https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565973-how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online

 

If your TurboTax fees are higher than expected, you can reduce them by removing add-ons     (BEFORE you e-file) :

 

• Remove Premium Services
• Remove MAX Defend & Restore
• Remove a state
• Remove PLUS Help & Support
• Remove Pay With Your Refund