Here's how to look at Schedule 3 to see what credits it is giving you. And watch for a longer answer below that will tell you some options on how to still file for free and keep the credits.
While your return is open, click in the left menu column on TAX TOOLS, then TOOLS.
Then at the Tools screen click on "View Tax Summary."
At the Tax Summary screen go back to the left menu column and click "Preview My 1040."
That will open the 1040 Worksheet.
You can view the 1040, then scroll down to the schedules below it and find Schedule 3.
It should show you the non-refundable credits you qualify to receive.
it's completely empty other than line 55.c. so why am I required to upgrade to TT-Premium?
So there's nothing on Line 55 itself or any other line in Schedule 3 (lines 48-55)? Is there anything on 55b and 55c?
Anything on Schedule 3 requires an upgrade to Deluxe. Why are you mentioning something called "Premium?"
There is not a product edition called "Premium". Did you mean "Premier?" A Schedule 3 does not require Premier.
"Premium Services" is an add-on bundle for California filers who choose to pay their TurboTax fees out of their Federal refund. It has a service fee of 44.99.
You're welcome. You can file for free using the other free product I mentioned below, if you meet one of the qualifications. i.e., TurboTax Free File Program.
Because of new changes in the tax laws for 2018, there may be some
filers who can no longer use regular Free Edition this year. But there
a second free product that you might be able to use, if necessary.
I'll provide more info about it below.
The regular
Free Edition is more limited this year due to tax law changes. If you
need any of the new Schedules 1-6, for instance, then you can't use
Free Edition. You can read about the new schedules at the link below. If
you click the "more info" link there, it will show you what each
schedule looks like.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4511015-what-are-the-new-schedules
Here are some common things that cannot be handled by the regular Free Edition:
Itemized deductions
Business or 1099-MISC income
Sales of stocks/mutual funds/bonds
Rental property income
Foreign Earned Income
HSA
Credits, deductions and income reported on the new schedules 1–6, such as the Student Loan Interest Deduction
TurboTax
has another free product called
the TurboTax Free File Program. It is free for both Federal and
State--IF you meet just one of the qualifications. It can handle all
the usual forms without the limitations of regular Free Edition.
See this FAQ to see if you meet one of the qualifications:
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program
The TurboTax Free File Program is located at the link
below. It requires a new User ID from what you are currently using for
Free Edition since it is a different website, and the IRS requires it to
be disconnected from the TurboTax commercial products.
https://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/