Why does TurboTax cost $119 on the Intuit site and doesn't include State, when I can buy TurboTax Deluxe on Amazon for $55.99 and it includes my State filing?

@ gregorywatkins58 

[Edited 3/27/2024 at 5:10 AM Pacific to include more product info.]

Online Deluxe is currently $59 for a Federal return and $59 for a state return, but there may be a $10 price increase after 3/31/24 for Federal, and possibly $5 increase for a state return.   However, the Online Deluxe edition cannot handle Schedules C (with expenses), D, E, F, or enter K-1.  In contrast, desktop Deluxe can handle all those things.

I presume it's because they want to make more profit on the Online site, even though the product is more limited.   The online version can only prepare 1 Federal return per account per year, while the desktop version can prepare multiple returns and also includes Forms Mode (which the Online version doesn't have) for direct viewing and editing of forms when necessary.

Be aware that the "included state" in some desktop products is referring to the state program for preparation, not efiling.   In the desktop product there is a $25 fee to efile each state return (except no fee for NY state.)   There is no fee to print and mail the state return.

Also be careful when buying Deluxe that you get the correct Deluxe.  It comes in 2 versions--one that is Federal-only, and one that is a combo Federal and State.