Is TurboTax really free the first time? This is the first time I filled taxes and they charged me a lot. Why?

[fanfare]

No it is not free for the first time.

If your return turns out to be more complex, i.e. not simple, "free" goes away and you must pay.

[lymarieef]

Can you give me an example of a complex tax return?

[fanfare]

"Can you give me an example of a complex tax return?"

Yours.

Visit https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free to find truely free filing.

Your state probably supports free filing online for many taxpayers.

OR

If you selected a lot of add-on turbotax features, remove them.

[ReginaM]

You can switch to the Free Edition, however the information that you can enter is pretty limited. 

It is important to make sure you’re eligible to Free File. 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.

Alternatively, you can check the fees that were charged to you by TurboTax by following these steps:

• While in your Tax Home,
• Scroll down to Tax Tools,
• Select Tools,
• Select My Fees.

Review your fees to find out why you're being charged. If you haven't already filed your return than follow these directions to remove any un-wanted charges:

• Remove PLUS Help & Support
• Remove Pay With Your Refund
• Remove Premium Services Benefits
• Remove MAX Defend & Restore
• Remove a state
• Clear and start over to remove all fees and start from scratch.