I didn't know about this, because turbo tax doesn't promote it, but I was looking at how to paper file H's state return (because we're MFJ for federal and MFS for state), and the GA Dep't of Revenue told me about it. There are a whole bunch of states that let you file free state returns (so you don't even pay the usual TT $29.95 prep fee) if you're military. Even if you live in one of the states that doesn't do that, it's a cheaper prep fee of $14.95. The one caveat is that if you already have a TT account, you have to make a new one, because even if you go through the freedom site, they will charge you because they're a bit wankery. So you have to make a new account with a different email. Not a huge deal, but just to warn you so you don't get all the way to the end and have to start over. ETA: I'll still have to pay the state fee of $29.95 since we're MFS for state, but it was really nice to get it for free for H's state return!
Re: Free (even state) e-file!
This is definitely the easier way to go. I tried to file through TT but HRB is offering us $414 more that TT didn't find!
BFP #2 02/05/2013 EDD 09/19/2013
I have been using TT for almost 10 years now...but I want an extra 414 a year!!