Are there other people that the $69 charge is simply a way around the manditory "free return" that is mandated?

[JCWDZ88]

How do I close and efile my returns now?

[DoninGA]

You complete your tax return by finishing all 3 Steps in the File section. In Step 3, to e-file your tax return, you must click on the large button labeled "Transmit my returns now".

After completing the File section and e-filing your tax return you will receive two emails from TurboTax. The first email when your tax return was transmitted and the second email when the tax return has either been accepted or rejected.

[Opus 17]

Turbotax is "free to start" but the final price depends on the forms and complexity of your return.  Turbotax's own adds suggest that about 2/3s of taxpayers will have to pay, only 1/3 qualify to file for free.   If you don't want to pay, you may find other free filing options at this link.

https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free