Hello, this appears to be no longer true, is that correct??

Major tax reform and major changes in the tax forms have also resulted in changes to the tax software.
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, there are no more simple Form 1040EZ or 1040A's.  Everything goes on a little “postcard-size” Form 1040 that has six extra "schedules" with it, and if you need any of those schedules, you are not able to use the Free Edition.  
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040">https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040</a> 
If you qualify to use it, there is another free version of the software:
Try Free File: 
You qualify if your income was $34,000 or less, or $66,000 or less if active duty military, or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program">https://ttlc.intuit.co...>
How do I switch to 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 $39.99  State software $39.99
 If you choose “refund processing” to have fees deducted from federal refund, add another $39.99  ($44.99 in CA)

Or did you add a feature that you want to remove?
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899480-why-am-i-being-charged-for-turbotax-free-edition">https://...>

I'm also finding this to not be true, after entering my 1098-T for my college tuition expenses it's telling me I'm not only required to report those data but in order to do so have to upgrade to Deluxe. Very unhappy with this change.

Same here and the help center I contacted stated it still should be free that I must of done something in error.  SO I started all over again.... and still have to pay..

Very disappointed in the recent change that was not made clear when filling my taxes, I have used the free version for years now with my school information and it has been fine and instead of the software telling me "due to the tax reform..." it just said, I HAVE to upgrade. Just saying... H&R Block says they are doing it for free.

I am very unhappy with Turbo Tax. I was told I had to pay for the Deluxe to include the student interest 1098 E.  Will not use Turbo Tax next year. I was charged 104.00 for state and federal. I have never paid that much and am done with Turbo Tax.

had the same experience. Feel like i wasted not only time and money. Will not use Turbo Tax next year.

Same here, so disappointed. Just read Wirecutter's review on the best tax software for 2019, & apparently H&R Block Free covers student loan interest 1098-T for free. Will be using them next year, after having been a Turbo Tax customer for over 10 years

Same here, so disappointed. Just read Wirecutter's review on the best tax software for 2019, & apparently H&R Block Free covers student loan interest 1098-T for free. Will be using them next year, after having been a Turbo Tax customer for over 10 years

Upgrade to deluxe cause of my school?! hella wack!!!!!

NOPE.  Software automatically switched me from the FREE edition to the DELUXE addition once I entered the 1098-T info. I never could get the FREE edition to come back up so it must block you unless you remove your education info. Not cool.