How much does it cost to E-file a state tax return for 2024?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
December 28, 2024
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Old time TurboTax user trying to find the "best" price for TurboTax with a State income tax return.

In prior years it seems some of the less expensive store versions of TurboTax with State end up costing more to E-file than if you purchased directly from TurboTax. Its always been you get to file 5 federal returns with the Federal version of TurboTax. As a single person or married filing jointly. 5 returns is more than enough. As the kids get older and get a job, you begin to use the additional "free" e-file federal returns. However, you get to pay for each State E-file return. This year TurboTax is showing each State tax return is $49 with free e-file. I've also seen that this year's price to file a State return with TurboTax is $25. So does the $49 price from TurboTax include the same 5 e-file returns like the federal returns or is "free" for the first return and $25 for each return after the first free return?

I see the big club stores (Sam's Costco, BJ's ) come with a $10 credit to the cost of the State e-file or may be applied to other TurboTax expenses. The second state e-file is at full price. This year all software needs to be downloaded (no more CD's) from Intuit. It appears that it would be less expensive if the state version is purchased direly from Intuit if the price includes the same 5 free federal returns. If not, the less expensive way is to purchase from Sam's at $55.99 and then pay for each State Return.

Best answer by rjd5

Why is there a State e-file fee? It must cost Intuit about $0.00001 in processing costs as the unique State related items is already priced into the product. Somehow the Federal e-file is free five times over in the Deluxe package. Huh, what goes? This kind of pricing reflects monopoly status and nothing more: no increased cost, but increased selling price. Why won't Intuit aim for competitively driven pricing rather than extracting maximum rent indicating an grossly inefficient market place?

xmasbaby0

Employee

You are confusing online TurboTax software fees with desktop download fees.

When you use online software, there is no fee at all for e-filing--not for federal or state. The fee is the same whether you e-file or mail it in an envelope. BUT---with online there are separate fees for federal and for state.

When you purchase the desktop software that includes state software, you get to e-file federal for free, and you have a state software program of ONE specific state of your choice. If you need a second --different-- state program it will cost $40 for each different state. To e-file the state return, you pay a fee of $20---which increases to $25 on March 1. You can print and mail the state instead for the price of a stamp.

And....some of the retailers that sell the desktop software give you a $10 credit toward one state e-file fee.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

JoFeen

FYI, my state efile price is showing $25 right now on the TT program. From that I'm assuming it goes up to $30 in March.

DoninGA

Employee

TurboTax website for the 2024 desktop editions - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/#modals/tta-state-download-state-e-file-sold

All the TurboTax desktop editions include 5 free federal e-files. There is a $25 e-file fee for each state tax return e-filed. This e-file charge can be avoided by printing and mailing the state tax return.

Clifdwllr2

Except that, having had my federal efile tax return accepted, my only mn state filing options are File by Mail and Nor Ready to File.

Will I ever be able to e-file my mn tax return using TurboTax?

CatinaT1

You should be able to. How do I e-file my state after I already filed my federal?

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rjd5Answer

MonikaK1

The only costs associated with e-filing are those charged by a tax preparer or tax software. Depending on the software brand and version, electronic filing charges have ranged from free to around $25. Tax preparers may charge more.

See this tax tips article for more information.

We at Intuit TurboTax want our users to be completely delighted with their experience using our products and services, and successful in their financial lives and businesses.

Once you file your return, as long as the settings to receive communication from Intuit don’t block it, you will see a pop-up message or receive an email with a survey asking you about your experience. We encourage you to leave your notes and comments there. “Voice of the Customer” notes and comments are read and acted upon.

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, you can also leave feedback at the Final Steps tab:

@rjd5

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rjd5

Thanks for copying the IRS page. But that in no way answers the question. Turbo tax could be free like others. Instead it is the highest listed. So that amplifies the question rather than settling it.