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Why isn’t it free?

 
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Why isn’t it free?

TurboTax has 2 free products, but you are not in one of them.  You appear to be using Live Deluxe which is a paid version, $90 for Federal and $50 for state.   That product is an upgraded version of Deluxe that includes live help from a CPA/EA expert on demand and a final review of your return prior to filing.   I'll tell you about both free products below.

 

NOTE:  If you haven't already filed, you may be able to change editions.   If you have already filed, then the following will not apply.

 

The regular Free Edition is for very simple returns and not everyone can use it.  Certain forms are not available in Free Edition and require an upgrade to Deluxe, such as Schedules 1-3, itemized deductions, etc.   Did you start in Free Edition and had to upgrade?    If you haven't already paid or registered, and if you are sure you don't need Deluxe, you can use the "Clear and Start Over" feature to choose Free Edition, but depending on the complexity of your return you may not be able to use regular Free Edition.  If you need to itemize deductions or have Schedules 1-3, for instance, you won't be able to use it.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-onli...

 

The other free product (TurboTax IRS Free File Program) is fully-featured and can prepare all the usual forms and schedules.  It is even more powerful than Deluxe.  But one has to meet one of the qualifications to use.  See below:

 

To qualify for free 2019 federal and state tax returns through the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, you just need to meet one of these requirements:

      • Your 2019 household AGI is $36,000 or less;
      • You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
      • In 2019, you served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum AGI of $69,000, and you have a military-issued W-2.

 

If you qualify for that program and want to use it, see these 2 FAQs:

 

FAQ:  What is the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/choosing-a-product/help/what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program/01/...

and

FAQ:  How do I switch to the TurboTax IRS Free File Program?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program/00/...

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