I need my past tax returns. I don't want to pay $55 to access them. What are my options?

You can get free Federal transcripts here:

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-19-25.pdf

Not sure where you are getting $55.  It is $19.99 to purchase PLUS.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2586262-how-do-i-purchase-turbotax-plus-so-i-can-get-my-tax-file

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3355524-when-does-access-to-my-prior-year-turbotax-online-returns-expire

Note:  Every year, before mid-October, print a copy of your current year tax return and save it as a tax file and pdf, too.  That way you will have it when you need it for school, a loan, next year’s tax return, etc. without going through a lot of aggravation (and expense)  to get it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899645-how-do-i-save-my-2018-turbotax-online-return-as-a-tax-data...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1912544-how-do-i-save-my-2018-turbotax-online-return-as-a-pdf