Form 8453-LLC - Check if also paid preparer

[monstera]

The system generated my Californian 8453-LLC.
It correctly marks that my tax return is self prepared.
But it also shows "paid preparer " as checked.
I wonder if this is because I marked that I paid $55 for tax prep last year - because I bought TurboTax.
1. Can I claim my purchase of TurboTax software as the "Tax preparer" fee?

2. is this the reason this line is checked? and is that okay that the actual field is empty (No ERO's PTIN)?

[monstera]

I removed "tax preparation expenses" completely, and this item still shows the same. please advise what this means

[PatriciaV]

Yes, you can report the cost of tax preparation software as a business expense. 

The ERO section has no real effect on your e-filed return. You can ignore the paid preparer checkbox.