No, it's not new. It's been that way for a few years in regards to Online returns. People should download/print a copy by October 31 each year to be sure they have control over it. A paid product (PLUS or higher) provides an extra year of access. After a certain period of time free access to past returns will expire, unless one continues to use a paid product each year (PLUS or higher.) See this FAQ on when access expires:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/prior-year-return/help/when-does-access-to-my-prior-year-turbotax-...
Have you located a past return, and are you trying to download/print, but it's asking you to pay? The way to pay to unlock it depends on what all you have done for your 2018 return. We can tell you all the steps.
The minimum to unlock a prior return is a 2018 Free Edition return upgraded to PLUS for 19.99. However, you appear to be using Online Deluxe, which is 59.99 for Federal ( and 44.99 for a state return, if applicable). Is that the product you used to prepare your 2018 return? Has your 2018 return been filed, or is your return still in preparation? Do you need Deluxe for the situations in your return/ If you are in the wrong product, we can tell you what to do.
- Have you already filed a 2018 return in Online TurboTax, or is one still in preparation? Or did you file elsewhere?
- Was the 2018 return prepared in Deluxe? Or did you upgrade too far while trying to get the past return?
- Is the 2018 return in the SAME account as the past online return?
We can tell you how to unlock a return once you answer all the questions above.
There's also a free option if a return transcript will suit your purpose. You may be able to immediately download one at the IRS website if you qualify to open an IRS account there. Otherwise, to order a transcript to come by postal mail takes 5-10 calendar days.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript
