Convert Free Tax Filing to Paid

[theresaeberger]

I tried to submit my taxes through the free filing system.  It said I didn't qualify to file for free.  But, it doesn't give me the option to pay for filing.  Now, my information is stuck in the free filing system.  How can I just pay to file?

[Kat]

If you used the IRS Free File program (webpage linked below), you used an entirely separate system from TurboTax.  Likewise, if you entered the IRS system via TurboTax (named TurboTax Free File), you were transferred to the IRS Free File page.  Because of that, you'll need to establish a TurboTax account, or use one you already have and re-enter all of your data.  You can always "Start for Free" in the TurboTax Free Edition, but you'll be prompted to upgrade to a paid edition if/when you enter data that requires a paid edition.  The TurboTax Free Edition is for only the simplest of tax returns.

Here's the link to the IRS Free File webpage:

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

And to begin with TurboTax Free Edition, use this link:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/get-started/prepmethod.jsp?productid=512

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[VolvoGirl]

Feb 2020, seems like you can.

Check out this one.  User OpFor at the end seems like he found a way to upgrade from Free File website and keep his info

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/re-i-don-t-qualify-for-free-file-this-year-as-it-...

[TrishWishes]

Here are the steps you can use for 2021. I just assisted a customer with switching from freefile to Premier using these steps on 4/29/2021. 
1.  Go to https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/compare/online/
2.  Click "help me choose"
3.  Select the options that apply to your situation

4.  Click "start for free" of whatever product you want to use when it gives you the suggestions

After that, it asked how I did my taxes last year. Select Turbo Tax, then sign in.  DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT. Once signed in, click on Personal Info and it will ask if you're sure to want to change to a commercial product and not use the free file program.  Select yes, click ok, and you'll be back into the normal system and out of the free file system.