Why the significant increase in prices this year? Is there something I'm selecting during the e-file process I'm unaware of? Been using for years.

[mesquitebean]

 What all are you being charged for, and what did you use last year?   There may some add-on features you can remove.

You can check your fees this way:

Open your return ("take me to my return.")
Once open, click in the left menu column on TAX TOOLS, then TOOLS.
In the Tools window, choose MY FEES.

You appear to be in Deluxe (that's what is displayed next to your screen name above.)

Deluxe Federal is currently discounted at 39.99 for a Federal return.
A state return is 39.99.

How did you choose to pay those fees?   If you elected the option to pay fees out of the Federal refund, that is an additional 39.99 service fee (44.99 for California filers.)

If you chose that option to pay out of the refund, we can tell you how to remove it prior to filing and pay upfront with credit/debit card or a prepaid debit card you can buy in a store.

[MERB13]

Thank you - I could not figure out how to get to my actual fees for the service. I'd much rather avoid the extra charge to deduct and pay with debit.  

Maybe I did the same last year? I don't recall there being an extra charge to deduct from return in the past.

[mesquitebean]

Yes, it has been that way for several years.  That process uses a third party SBTPG (Santa Barbara Tax Products Group) who sets up an intermediary bank account in your name to receive the funds from the IRS.  Then they subtract the fees, send the rest to you, then close that temporary bank account.   So that pays for their services.   Watch for my answer below on how to get rid of that option.

[mesquitebean · Accepted solution]

If you chose the option to pay the product fees out of your Federal refund, that payment method has a 39.99 service fee (44.99 for California filers, where it is bundled with Premium Services.)

If you don't want that option,  here's how to remove it prior to filing and pay upfront with credit/debit card or a prepaid debit card you can buy in a store.

Here's how to remove it, depending on your location:

Filers located in all states except California:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900517-how-do-i-remove-the-refund-processing-service

California filers (where it is in the "Premium Services" bundle) :
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2154391-how-do-i-remove-the-premium-services-fee

[MERB13]

Thank you. All of the information was very helpful.

[mesquitebean]

You're welcome.  Good luck!