Why do I need to upgrade to file a Form 1040, when I do not have any additional income?

[xmasbaby0]

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.  

https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040 

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

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program

• https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2026912-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.   

[fryckie]

Nothing on the 1040 applies to me.

[xmasbaby0]

Here's the thing.  EVERYONE is using a Form 1040 now.  There are no more 1040EZ or 1040A forms.  It does not matter whether you are itemizing or not.  You will still be filing on Form 1040.  There may be other things that make you require one of those six schedules that are now part of the tax forms.  If you need any of them, you cannot use the Free Edition.

[fryckie]

So TurboTax lied when they said it was free? That's good to know. I'll take my business elsewhere I guess.