Last year I filed for free. This year I am paying $110. Why?

[smiz52]

Last year, I filed for free. This year, I am being prompted to pay for the Deluxe version - $60 - and pay for NY State Return - $50. The reason I was given for paying for the Deluxe version is that the Free version does not support HSA contributions (form 8889). That does not make sense because my 2018 W-2 had an HSA with $400 contribution and my 2019 W-2 has the same exact thing! Why did I not have to pay last year but this year I need to pay? Also, why do I need to pay $50 for NY return and last year I did not have to pay???

[VolvoGirl]

In the regular Turbo Tax Free Edition, information that you can enter is limited now.  Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

To go back to the Free Edition you can try to clear and start over https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-onli...

OR There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things
AGI $36,000 or less
Active duty military with AGI of $69,000 or less
OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website. Try signing in at the top right
https://freefile.intuit.com/

[smiz52]

My w-2 is basically the same as last year, except my taxable income went up by like $10,000.

Also, I don't understand why I'm paying to file NY state taxes. Last year, I did not have to pay. Is state tax filing no longer included in the Free version?

[AkinaLO]

There are different reasons for an upgrade, there may have been add-ons added. You can review your fees to see if there were any add-ons that you can remove. Please refer to the articles below.

How do I review my fees in TurboTax Online? - Community

How do I remove TurboTax add-ons? - Community

Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?

TurboTax Free Edition (and TurboTax Live Basic) are intended for taxpayers with very simple returns that can fit on the new 1040 form without any schedules.

If we detect that your tax situation requires expanded coverage, like deductions for owning a home or self-employment income, we'll prompt you to upgrade to a version that supports the forms you need so we can maximize your tax deductions and ensure you file an accurate return.

Depending on what your tax situation was last year, you might need to use new tax forms to claim the same deductions, credits, or forms of income. Some of the situations that are now in TurboTax Deluxe and TurboTax Live Deluxe, instead of in Free Edition, include:

• Student loan interest deduction
• Retirement savings contribution credit for 401(k) and IRA contributions
• Education credits
• Child dependent care credit

Go here for more info on which forms are included in TurboTax Free Edition.

Related Information:

• Is TurboTax Free Edition right for me?
• How do I clear and start over in TurboTax Online?
• How do I upgrade or switch to a higher version of TurboTax Online?
• Can I downgrade to a lower-priced version of TurboTax Online?