TurboTax Free Edition is designed for simple tax returns, specifically those that only require Form 1040 without additional schedules. This includes situations like W-2 income, claiming the standard deduction, and certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or student loan interest
However, if your tax return involves more complex situations, such as claiming education credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), TurboTax will prompt you to upgrade to a paid version
Since you mentioned being a full-time student, if you're trying to claim the AOTC, this would require an upgrade to the Deluxe Edition
See list of reasons for upgrades here.
