Why can't I file my return for free

[awlowery1]

I am only filing a 1099-R and SSA

[JakailaLO]

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 these situations are now in TurboTax Deluxe and TurboTax Live Deluxe, instead of in Free. Also, if you have certain tax situations such as a mortgage, charitable donations, medical expenses, or student loan interest deduction, these also require Deluxe. 

Here is more information about why you may need to upgrade from Free Edition.   https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/4223394

[aliceagro]

 Doesn't the IRS mandate that you offer this for free?

[Texas Roger]

You can use the free file program if you qualify for it. You must switch and start over. Here is how: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2026912-how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program
You qualify if you had $34,000 or less AGI or $66,000 or less military family AGI or qualify for EITC. Click on See if you qualify then Yes (if you do) then Start Now button, then choose Create an Account.

[aliceagro]

that's exactly what I did. by your rules, I should qualify.. it's still trying to charge me 120. 

[Texas Roger]

You must create a totally new account when you switch to the free file program. You can't log in using your original log in for the paid program.

[macuser_22]

$120 ($119.95) is the price of the online Self-Employed version for persons with self-employed or 1099-MISC income.   There is no free version for that.   You must be entering something that requires the SE version.

[macuser_22]

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@aliceagro wrote:

 Doesn't the IRS mandate that you offer this for free?

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No.   You might be thinking of the IRS "Free Alliance".

You might be able to use the Free File (formally called Freedom Edition) for incomes under $34,000 and supports all states and most forms.

The Free File is part of the IRS Free File alliance and is totally separate from TurboTax website.

You can also access the Free File tax alliance programs via the IRS website.

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


https://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/

How do I switch to TurboTax Free File?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3491786

[aliceagro]

yeah, I made 700 dollars and you want to charge 120 because I have a different form? please explain how that makes any kind of sense for people who qualify for free under YOUR rules????????????

[aliceagro]

I did try to switch and it kept directing me to my old one because i have the same **bleep**ing name

[aliceagro]

so I am trying and it keeps automatically logging me in and redirecting me to the paid version. why?

[Texas Roger]

Try logging in to the free file program using a different browser. 

[aliceagro]

why is it so difficult to do this. why is there two linked but separate websites that are similar but redirect so easily to the paid version? 

[macuser_22]

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@aliceagro wrote:

why is it so difficult to do this. why is there two linked but separate websites that are similar but redirect so easily to the paid version? 

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Because the IRS rules require that there be NO connection between the free alliance version and the commercial versions.   Browser cookies are often the problem.  Clear browser cache and any cookie that has "turbotax" or "intuit" or use the IRS free file website.

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

[aliceagro]

I just did the whole thing over again and it's still charging me over 100 dollars. I'm gonna find a different way to file. you guys got really scammy.