It is complete bs. They are equating "registering" your return to having "filed" before you actually hit the File button.
Apparently, TT thinks it's too much of a hassle to scrap everything even if you haven't paid them or even filed. This is a way to bind you so they can still get their money even if the tax version you used to figure out your taxes is no longer a benefit to you for the tax year you're filing.
But you can still upgrade of course because somehow upgrading (EVEN IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED YOUR TAXES) is allowable.
That is a shady business tactic. 110%
With that being said, TT automatically upgrades you to their lowest edition (TT Deluxe I believe) if you don't qualify for the Federal/State Free edition. To get the free edition you have to have an AGI of $36k or lower, have qualified for the EIC, or are a veteran/active duty/military personnel.
