If you purchased the Deluxe desktop edition from TurboTax it will come with one free state program Download. If you purchased from a retail outlet it may or may not have the state program download included. You will need to check your purchase from the retailer.
There is a $25 e-file charge for each state tax return e-filed when using the TurboTax desktop editions. This fee can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.
I purchased a cardboard folder with a code from Costco for TurboTax Deluxe. Now it's asking for $45 to download the state. I have purchased TurboTax for over 20 years, and this is the first time a state was not included.
Does the package from Costco just say Fed + efile OR say Fed +efile + State? Try updating the program first, go up to Online-Check for Updates. Maybe update a couple times to be sure you get all the updates. Also you might need to update Windows (if you are on a Windows computer). And reboot your computer.
Or does it think you already downloaded a different state for the free state?
Online products do not come with a state return included, the state must be purchased separately, however e-file for the state is free. The download versions do include 1 free state return, but there is a fee to e-file it.