The free version only works for very simple tax returns, like if you have a W2 and that is it (no mortgages, no itemized deductions, etc.). Likely that was not your case. Compare products on this link:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/The most popular is the Deluxe and then it goes up from there depending on your complexity. Plus the e-filing for states also has a cost. I always get the most expensive one just because of my tax complexity. Plus I have multiple states to e-file. So, it adds up.
