I'm not sure if it's a system error or bug, but I want to file and the system just won't allow me to move past that first step and start signing and filing. Maybe there's something missing?
There is no bug ... there are restrictions.
In order to pay for your fees using your federal refund, you must have a refund high enough to pay the fees plus the EXTRA refund processing fee of $39.99 ($44.99 in CA). The amounts on line 28 for the child tax credit or line 30 for the recovery rebate credit do not "count" toward having a high enough refund. Is the amount on line 35a of your Form 1040 enough for the fees if you do not include those?
How can I see my TurboTax fees?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2565973-how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online
What is Refund Processing Service?
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 if your AGI is $73K or less ...
Right, I understand what you mean. I get a page where it states that my Federal Refund is eligible to pay for my order/filing fees. It just won't allow me to move onto Step 2. I thought it was a system error so I tried everything - clearing cache and cookies, restarting my laptop, leaving it for 24 hours - and nothing. So odd.