I just spent almost 3 hours working on this "free" tax return, only to realize at the end that it's not free. How do I downgrade without having to start over?

[RBBrittain]

You don't because your tax situation apparently doesn't qualify for regular free TurboTax. Free Edition (at turbotax.com) is only for "simple" returns, generally defined as a basic 1040 with only W-2 and limited interest & dividend income, standard deduction only, and no additional forms except for EITC & ACTC. Business or 1099-MISC income, as implied by the tag showing you're using TurboTax Self Employed, does not qualify for Free Edition. 

If your income is within its limitations (AGI < $34,000, active duty military with AGI < $66,000, or qualify for EITC), you should use the Free File Edition (thru IRS Free File or at taxfreedom.com). However, due to IRS Free File requirements you would have to start over with a different TurboTax account to use that edition.

[Charlene 78]

I'm filing a simple W2 when it supposed to be free and want to charge me also. I should have went with another company I have wasted hours.

[fanfare]

visit www.irs.gov to find truly free federal filing.

Your state probably offers free online filing.