I was told filing state taxes were free for the first time, is this true?

[DoninGA]

Using the TurboTax desktop CD/Download editions one state program is free to download and included in the purchase price (except Basic) if purchased from TurboTax.  Some retailers sell the Deluxe desktop edition without the state download.

There is an e-file charge that is currently $24.99 for each state tax return e-filed using the desktop editions.  This charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

[Oldhillbilly]

Okay, perhaps the answer is really saying the free state is not free, but only to download. That is not really stated anywhere I can find and kind of think this is just a bit shady.

[xmasbaby0]

@Oldhillbilly You posted to an old old thread.  Not quite sure what software you used or are trying to use.  

With online TurboTax you pay for a state return separately from the fee to prepare a federal return.  The fee is the same whether you e-file or mail it.

Did you purchase desktop software with state software included?  They sell Deluxe both with and without state software--so you have to be careful which one you choose.  And even if it does have the state software download included, that is for preparing the state.  There is an extra fee to e-file the state.  You can avoid the $24.99 state e-file fee if you print and mail the state instead of e-filing it.