The TurboTax Free edition can be used if you are filing Form 1040A/EZ and you are using the standard deduction (you also get one free state return too).
You can
file your federal (1040EZ/1040A) and state taxes for free if
the following applies to you:
- Made less than $100,000
- Don't own a home or rental property
- Didn't sell investments
- Don't own a business or have 1099-MISC income
- Don't have any major medical expenses
The version of TurboTax you need to use is determined by the information/answers you have entered into your return. If you are being asked to upgrade, it may be that one of the forms you need to file is required in a higher version of TurboTax vs. the Free version.
This link will show you the forms that each program will file (scroll down and click on the Tax Forms tab):
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp
If you feel that you do not need the higher version of TurboTax, you can clear your return and start over to downgrade (as long as you haven't paid for or registered your account), instructions here:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4248526