I have proof of using turbo tax free edition last year, and then further proof of trying to use that same edition for the recent tax filing, but turbo tax forced turbo tax basic on me as if it was the only and cheapest option. And before that, I had already gotten myself out of paying for the turbo tax deluxe live edition that they trick you into using, and then at the very end you see you have to pay for all this stuff you didn’t even use. All I did was file a W2, so why was I forced to pay? Am I not wrong in thinking filing W2 is free?
If you have a retirement plan contribution on your W-2 in box 12 then you may be eligible for the Saver's Credit which is not supported by the Free online edition.
The TurboTax Free online edition is for very simple tax returns that do not require any other form or schedule other than the Form 1040. If your tax data requires entry on any other form or schedule then you must upgrade to the Deluxe edition or higher.
If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition. Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the program screen while working on the 2023 online tax return. Click on Clear & Start Over.
Go to this TurboTax website for the Free online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp