Can you avoid turbotax fees by printing and mailing returns

While printing and mailing your tax return can save you from some fees, it's not a foolproof way to completely avoid TurboTax fees. Here's what you need to know:

Fees associated with TurboTax:

  1. Preparation fees: TurboTax charges a fee for preparing your tax return, which varies depending on the complexity of your return and the level of service you choose. These fees range from $39.99 to $199.99.
  2. E-file fees: If you choose to e-file your return, TurboTax charges an additional fee, which is typically around $39.99.
  3. State filing fees: TurboTax also charges a fee for filing your state tax return, which varies by state and ranges from $39.99 to $79.99.

Printing and mailing your return:

If you choose to print and mail your tax return, you'll still need to pay the preparation fee, but you won't need to pay the e-file fee. However, you'll need to factor in the cost of postage and any potential errors or delays that may occur during the mailing process.

Potential drawbacks:

  1. Delays: Mailing your return can take several days or even weeks to reach the IRS, which may delay your refund.
  2. Errors: If your return is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing information, it may be rejected by the IRS, which can cause delays and additional fees.
  3. Postage costs: You'll need to pay for postage, which can add up quickly, especially if you're filing multiple returns.

Alternatives to avoid fees:

If you're looking to avoid fees altogether, consider the following options:

  1. Free filing: If you're eligible, you can file your taxes for free using the IRS Free File program or other free tax preparation services.
  2. Low-cost alternatives: Look for low-cost tax preparation services, such as Credit Karma Tax, H&R Block Free, or TaxAct, which offer affordable options for preparing and filing your taxes.
  3. DIY tax preparation: If you're comfortable preparing your taxes yourself, you can use tax preparation software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to prepare your return, and then print and mail it to the IRS.

In summary, while printing and mailing your tax return can save you from some fees, it's not a foolproof way to completely avoid TurboTax fees. Be sure to factor in the potential drawbacks and consider alternative options to find the best solution for your tax preparation needs.