I need to add an expense to my taxes, but it won’t let me move on without upgrading to the Deluxe. What can I do instead to report a random income?

[xmasbaby0]

What are you trying to add?   The Free Edition can be used only for very simple returns that use Form 1040--no extra forms or schedules.   If you are trying to add something that requires an extra form or schedule, the only way to do that using TurboTax is to upgrade to a paid version.

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or student loan interest), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

Examples of situations included in a simple Form 1040 return (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest, dividends or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction
• Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions
•  

  Examples of situations not included in a simple Form 1040 return:

  • Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A, like charitable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions
  • Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
  • Business or 1099-NEC income (often reported by those who are self-employed, gig workers or freelancers)
  • Stock sales (including crypto investments)
  • Income from rental property or property sales
  • Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules 

    How can I see my TurboTax  fees? 

    https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/review-fees-turbo...

    If your TurboTax fees are higher than expected, you can reduce them by removing add-ons     (BEFORE you e-file) :

    • Remove Premium Services
    • Remove MAX Defend & Restore
    • Remove a state
    • Remove PLUS Help & Support
    • Remove Pay With Your Refund

      Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free.  There are 8  free software versions available from the IRS Free File site

      https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

[baldietax]

unfortunately this is how they price the versions so it can be costly if you just miss the Free version yet not need the full functionality of Deluxe.  if your situation does require Deluxe you might want to explore other filing options like FreeTaxUSA which may still allow you to file for free or lower cost than Turbotax.  See https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/