I saw on the news tonight that if you make less $69000 that your federal file should be for free. So why is it being charged?

[ReginaM]

The $69,000 limitation is for military personal as seen below:

The information that you can enter in the 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 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.

Before switching to the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible for the product. If you answer yes to any of these question, you qualify:

• Is your adjusted gross income (AGI) $36,000 or less?
• Were you active duty military in 2019 with an AGI of $69,000 or less?
• Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)?

To switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax.

1. Sign out of your existing TurboTax account.
2. Go to the IRS Free File delivered by TurboTax website and sign in to your same account from there.
3. Select Yes, switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax when asked, and Continue.

[Critter]

Sadly the news station didn't make things clear or you didn't hear the "fine print"  ... 

That was information  for the IRS FREE FILE alliance ... to get it you must link in THRU the IRS site ... there are 10 different companies in the alliance each with different requirements to file for free with them ... read the screen carefully and  choose wisely...  https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free