You're on top of your tax game this year! Thinking about paying your TurboTax fees before you even hit that "file" button is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid any last-minute payment surprises or if you prefer to keep your tax refund separate from your software costs. Let's dive deep into how you can do just that, step by step!
How to Pay TurboTax Fees Before Filing: A Comprehensive Guide
Paying your TurboTax fees in advance offers a sense of control and can simplify your tax filing experience. While the exact moment you pay might depend on whether you're using the online version or the desktop software, the underlying principle is to settle your software costs before your return is officially transmitted.
 |
| How To Pay Turbotax Fees Before Filing |
Step 1: Engage and Assess Your TurboTax Product
First things first, what TurboTax product are you using? Are you on the online version, working directly in your web browser, or do you have the CD/downloadable desktop software installed on your computer? This is crucial because the payment process can differ slightly between the two.
If you're using TurboTax Online: You'll typically encounter the payment prompt closer to the end, just before you e-file or print your return. However, there are ways to initiate payment earlier if you wish.
If you're using TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): You usually purchase the software upfront. Any additional fees (like for e-filing a state return or add-on services) will come up as you finalize your return.
Take a moment to confirm which version you're utilizing, as this will guide you through the subsequent steps.
Step 2: Navigate to the "File" Section in TurboTax
Regardless of whether you're using the online or desktop version, the payment options for TurboTax fees typically appear within the "File" or "Review" section of the program. This is where you prepare your return for submission.
For TurboTax Online:
Once you've completed inputting all your tax information and have reviewed your return for accuracy, you'll generally find a "File" or "E-file" tab or button.
Click on this section. You're not actually filing yet, but rather moving to the final stages where payment options are presented.
For TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download):
Similarly, after you've entered all your data and run the "Smart Check" or "Error Check," look for a "File" or "Ready to File" section within the software's navigation.
Step 3: Review Your Order Summary and Identify Fees
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Within the "File" section, TurboTax will typically present you with an "Order Summary" or a breakdown of the fees associated with your return. This might include:
Federal E-file Fee: For most paid TurboTax online products, federal e-filing is often included, but it's good to confirm.
State Return Fee: If you're filing a state return through TurboTax, there is almost always a separate fee. This is a common charge that users often want to pay beforehand.
Add-on Services: Did you opt for services like Audit Defense, MAX Assist & Defend, or other premium support options? These will be itemized here.
"Pay with Your Refund" Fee: If you were considering having TurboTax deduct their fees directly from your federal tax refund, be aware that there's an additional processing fee for this convenience. If you want to pay before filing, you'll avoid this specific fee.
Carefully review each line item to understand what you're being charged for. This is your chance to deselect any optional services you might have accidentally added or no longer want.
Step 4: Choose Your Payment Method
This is the core step where you decide how you want to pay. TurboTax typically offers several payment options before you finalize the filing process:
Credit or Debit Card: This is the most common and often recommended method for paying TurboTax fees upfront.
Why this is a good choice: It's instant, secure, and allows you to keep your refund intact. You can use any major credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.).
You'll be prompted to enter your card details, including the card number, expiration date, security code (CVV), and billing address.
Direct Debit from Bank Account (Electronic Funds Withdrawal - EFW): While primarily used for paying taxes owed to the IRS, some TurboTax versions or specific scenarios might allow you to pay their software fees directly from your bank account.
Check for this option: If available, you'll need to provide your bank routing number and account number.
Prepaid Debit Card: If you have a prepaid debit card with sufficient funds, you can often use it just like a regular debit card.
Important Note on "Pay with Your Refund": While this is an option, it is not a method for paying before filing. It's a payment arrangement at the time of filing where TurboTax's fees are deducted from your eventual refund. If your goal is to pay before filing to avoid this deduction or its associated fee, then do not select this option.
Step 5: Confirm and Process Payment
Once you've selected your preferred payment method (e.g., credit card) and entered the necessary details:
Double-Check Everything: Before clicking "Submit" or "Pay Now," take a moment to verify all the information. This includes the amount being charged and your payment details.
Click to Pay: Confirm your payment. You should receive an immediate confirmation that your payment has been processed. Keep a record of this confirmation for your files.
Step 6: Continue with Filing
Tip: Read aloud to improve understanding.
After your payment for the TurboTax fees is successfully processed, the program will allow you to proceed with filing your tax return.
E-file: If you choose to e-file, your return will be securely transmitted to the IRS and/or your state tax agency.
Print and Mail: If you prefer to mail your return, you can now print out your completed tax forms.
By paying your TurboTax fees in advance, you've ensured that the cost of using the software is settled, allowing for a smoother and less financially integrated filing experience.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to paying TurboTax fees, starting with "How to":
How to see my TurboTax fees before I pay?
You can typically see a breakdown of your TurboTax fees in the "File" or "Review" section of the software, often under an "Order Summary" or "Payment" screen, before you finalize your return.
How to avoid the "Pay with Your Refund" fee in TurboTax?
To avoid the additional processing fee associated with "Pay with Your Refund," simply choose to pay your TurboTax fees directly using a credit card or debit card when prompted, instead of having them deducted from your tax refund.
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
How to pay for TurboTax if I don't have a credit card?
If you don't have a credit card, TurboTax primarily accepts debit cards. In some cases, if you need to pay for the desktop software, you might have purchased it with a gift card or other payment methods accepted by the retailer. For online versions, a debit card is generally your best alternative.
How to pay for my state e-file fee in TurboTax?
The state e-file fee will be included in your overall TurboTax order summary when you reach the "File" section. You pay it at the same time as any federal software fees, typically via credit or debit card.
How to confirm my TurboTax payment went through?
After processing your payment, TurboTax usually provides an on-screen confirmation message. You will also typically receive an email receipt confirming the payment. Check your email for this confirmation.
How to change my payment method for TurboTax fees?
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
If you haven't finalized your payment yet, you can usually go back to the "Payment" or "Order Summary" screen within the "File" section to select a different method before confirming. Once paid, changing the method for that specific transaction is generally not possible.
How to get a refund for TurboTax fees?
TurboTax has a refund policy, often tied to their guarantees (e.g., accuracy guarantee). If you believe you are entitled to a refund, you'll need to contact TurboTax customer support directly to inquire about their specific refund process and eligibility criteria.
How to pay TurboTax fees if I'm filing an extension?
If you're filing an extension, you're primarily extending the time to file, not necessarily to pay your taxes. TurboTax fees for preparing the extension might be separate or part of your main tax return preparation. You would pay any TurboTax fees associated with the extension process when you submit it through their platform, usually with a credit or debit card.
How to pay my tax bill to the IRS, not TurboTax fees?
Paying your tax bill to the IRS is separate from paying TurboTax's software fees. You can pay your federal tax bill directly through IRS Direct Pay (from your bank account), by debit/credit card through an authorized payment processor (fees apply), or by mail with a check or money order. TurboTax helps you calculate what you owe but doesn't process your IRS payment directly unless you opt for a direct debit during e-filing.
How to view a detailed breakdown of what I paid TurboTax for?
Your final invoice or receipt from TurboTax, typically emailed to you after payment, will provide a detailed breakdown of all the services and products you paid for, including federal and state filing fees, and any optional add-ons. You can also often access this in your TurboTax account online.
 |
