You posted your question from a paid version---online Live Deluxe. The fee for using a paid version of TurboTax is the same whether you e-file or mail the return in an envelope. The fee is based on the version of the software you use to prepare the returns, not on whether you e-file. If you use a paid version of the software, choosing to file by mail does not make it free.
HOW CAN I DOWNGRADE TO A LOWER VERSION
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/downgrade-lower-pri...
When you use online TurboTax software you get one return per fee.
Each return needs its own account and user ID. If you use the same account and user ID for a second return, the second one overwrites the first return and it is lost forever.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-onli...
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp
If you started in the Free Edition and entered any data that required any extra forms or schedules, you have to upgrade to a paid version and if you are watching the screens carefully you are alerted to the upgrade.
TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns
If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or student loan interest), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
Examples of situations included in a simple Form 1040 return (assuming no added tax complexity):
- W-2 income
- Interest, dividends or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
- IRS standard deduction
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Student loan interest deduction
- Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions
-
Examples of situations not included in a simple Form 1040 return:
- Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A, like charitable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions
- Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
- Business or 1099-NEC income (often reported by those who are self-employed, gig workers or freelancers)
- Stock sales (including crypto investments)
- Income from rental property or property sales
- Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules
- 1095A for marketplace health insurance
How can I see my TurboTax fees?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/review-fees-turbo...
If your TurboTax fees are higher than expected, you can reduce them by removing add-ons (BEFORE you e-file) :
Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free. There are 8 free software versions available from the IRS Free File site
https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
Or—if you live in certain states you may be eligible to use the new IRS Direct File
In Filing Season 2025, Direct File will be available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
https://directfile.irs.gov/
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2629
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
