Major tax reform and major changes in the tax forms have also resulted in changes to the tax software.
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY? I WANT THE FREE EDITION
The information that you can enter in Free Edition is pretty limited now. Thanks to the new tax laws, there are no more simple Form 1040EZ or 1040A's. Everything goes on a little “postcard-size” Form 1040 that has six extra "schedules" with it, and if you need any of those schedules, you are not able to use the Free Edition.
https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040
If you qualify to use it, there is another free version of the software:
Try Free File:
You qualify if your income was $34,000 or less, or $66,000 or less if active duty military, or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program
Note: If you do not qualify to use Free File then you will have to upgrade to Deluxe or higher in the paid versions of the software.
Online Deluxe $39.99 State software $39.99
If you choose “refund processing” to have fees deducted from federal refund, add another $39.99 ($44.99 in CA)
REMOVE REFUND PROCESSING FEE
Or did you add a feature that you want to remove?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899480-why-am-i-being-charged-for-turbotax-free-edition
Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017, there are no longer any "short" forms.
Starting in 2018, everyone uses the same Form 1040, which also includes new Schedules 1 thru 6.
@soarweagles Carol, if this didn't answer your question, please comment below so that I can clarify.