$30 sounds like the fee for PLUS -- PLUS is not a software version. PLUS is an add-on feature for the Free Edition. There is not a difference in any of the fees whether you e-file or mail the return.
If you upgrade to a higher version of the software then you do pay again. But see if you qualify to use Free File.
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY? I WANT THE FREE EDITION
The information that you can enter in Free Edition is pretty limited now. Thanks to the new tax laws that began for 2018 returns, there are no more simple Form 1040EZ or 1040A's. Everything goes on a Form 1040 that has three extra "schedules" with it, and if you need any of those schedules, you are not able to use the Free Edition. Using the standard deduction instead of itemizing does NOT mean you will not need any of those schedules.https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4511011-what-happened-to-the-1040a-and-1040ez
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040
If you qualify to use it, there is another full-featured free version of the software:
Try Free File:
You qualify if your income was $36,000 or less, or $69,000 or less if active duty military, or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program
Note: If you do not qualify to use Free File then you will have to upgrade to Deluxe or higher in the paid versions of the software.
Online Deluxe $60 State software $50
Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
