TurboTax has 2 free products.
NOTE: If you haven't already paid/registered, you may be able to change editions. If you have already paid/filed, then the following will not apply.
The regular Free Edition is for very simple returns and not everyone can use it. Certain forms are not available in Free Edition and require an upgrade to Deluxe, such as one of Schedules 1-3, itemized deductions, education credits, student loan interest, retirement savers credit, etc. Did you start in Free Edition and had to upgrade? Depending on the complexity of your return you may not be able to use regular Free Edition. If you need to itemize deductions, for instance, or have one of the Schedules 1-3, etc., you won't be able to use it. See this FAQ on some situations where one cannot use Free Edition:
FAQ: Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379
If you have a very simple return, don't need Schedules 1-3, and don't want the extra live tax expert help in your Live Basic, I left info in my answer above on how to either remove the Live part or how to clear and start over.
The other free product (TurboTax IRS Free File Program) is fully-featured and can prepare all the usual forms and schedules. I For example, in addition to Schedules 1-3 it can prepare Schedule C, D, E, F, etc., and enter K-1. But one has to meet one of the qualifications to use. See below:
To qualify for free 2020 federal and state tax returns through the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, you just need to meet one of these requirements:
- Your 2020 household AGI is $39,000 or less;
- You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
- In 2020, you served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum AGI of $72,000, and you have a military-issued W-2.
If you qualify for that program and want to use it, see these 2 FAQs:
FAQ: What is the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program/01/...
and
FAQ: How do I switch to the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program/00/...
There are also other free file options that may have different requirements at the IRS website:
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
