The Free version cannot handle all tax forms (or situations). There are several places in the TTax interview where, based on YOUR answer(s) or inputted information, TTax may determine that the Free version cannot handle your return, or offer you additional features.
In such cases it will offer to upgrade you (for a charge) to the Deluxe or higher versions more suitable for your tax situation --in each case there will be at least 2 screens that identify that you cannot continue with the Free version.
The upgrade is NOT automatic, in each situation it is you that decided to 'continue' with the upgraded version, thus incurring the additional charge.
NOTE: If you have previously used TTax On-Line and used an upgraded version, that will likely force your new return to the same upgraded version.
How to clear and start over.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2586254
NOTE:
If you DO NOT want to re-transfer last year's data after clearing your return, pay special attention to the 'pop-up' window "Are you sure you want to clear your return?"
There is a subtle option just above the blue "Yes" & "No" buttons.
MAKE SURE the box is UNCHECKED. (The default is 'checked' to re-transfer your data)
If the 'pop-up' window does not appear then try this work-around:
* Go to My Account
* Tools
* Transfer last year's TurboTax return from your computer (Note it does say "from your computer")
* Continue
* Continue without Transferring
If you have already paid for your return TTax Will NOT let you clear and start over.
