Do you have to use the deluxe or premier package just because you are filing as self employed?

[VolvoGirl]

 You can enter Self Employment Income into Online Deluxe or Premier but if you have any expenses you will have to upgrade to the Self Employed version. How to enter income from Self Employment https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4801198 

OR if you qualify,  

There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

NOTE:  You will have to log out of your regular Turbo Tax Account and setup a new account with a new username and new password or it will take you back to regular Turbo Tax.

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things

AGI $34,000 or less

Active duty military with AGI of $66,000 or less

OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website.  Click on the bottom Orange button I Qualify Start Now and set up a NEW account

http://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/

[Critter]

If you are using the ONLINE version you must upgrade to the Self Employed program to enter income and expenses on the Sch C.  If you have no expenses to report ( highly unlikely ) then you can use the Deluxe or Premier versions.

If you choose to use the DOWNLOADED version then you can use any of them since all programs can handle all tax situations. 

[VolvoGirl]

In case that didn't directly answer your question.  Yes you have to use Deluxe or Premier to enter self employment income.  You can not use the regular Turbo Tax Free Edition.  You might qualify for the other Free File website.  

But if you have expenses you HAVE to upgrade to the Self Employed version or you can use any of the Desktop CD/Download programs like Deluxe.