Started with the $30 Plus level which included Federal and State returns. Now that I am done it's forcing me to upgrade to $60 Deluxe level with State an extra $50. Why

[mesquitebean]

TurboTax has 2 free products, but you are not in one of them.  You appear to be using Online Deluxe Edition, which is a paid version--$60 for Federal and $50 for state (if applicable), and if you choose to pay the fees out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee ($45 for California filers.)   I'll tell you about both free products below.

NOTE:  If you haven't already paid, you may be able to change editions.  

The regular Free Edition (or its PLUS upgrade) is for very simple returns and not everyone can use it.  Certain forms are not available in Free Edition (or PLUS) and require an upgrade to Deluxe, such as one of Schedules 1-3, itemized deductions, education credits, student loan interest, retirement savers credit, etc.   Did you start in Free Edition (or PLUS) 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, for instance, or have one of the Schedules 1-3, etc., you won't be able to use it.   See this FAQ on some situations where one cannot use Free Edition:

FAQ:  Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

If you have a very simple return, don't need Schedules 1-3, and are sure you don't otherwise need Deluxe, here's how to start over and choose regular Free Edition:

FAQ:  How do I clear and start over in Online TurboTax?

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, if you qualify.  For example, in addition to Schedules 1-3 it can prepare Schedule C, D, E, F, etc., and enter K-1. 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 AGI is $36,000 or less (for Married Filing Jointly returns, combined AGI of both spouses cannot be over that limit),  or
• 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/...

[mesquitebean]

TurboTax has 2 free products, but you are not in one of them.  You appear to be using Online Deluxe Edition, which is a paid version--$60 for Federal and $50 for state (if applicable), and if you choose to pay the fees out of your Federal refund, there is an additional $40 service fee ($45 for California filers.)   I'll tell you about both free products below.

NOTE:  If you haven't already paid, you may be able to change editions.  

The regular Free Edition (or its PLUS upgrade) is for very simple returns and not everyone can use it.  Certain forms are not available in Free Edition (or PLUS) and require an upgrade to Deluxe, such as one of Schedules 1-3, itemized deductions, education credits, student loan interest, retirement savers credit, etc.   Did you start in Free Edition (or PLUS) 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, for instance, or have one of the Schedules 1-3, etc., you won't be able to use it.   See this FAQ on some situations where one cannot use Free Edition:

FAQ:  Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

If you have a very simple return, don't need Schedules 1-3, and are sure you don't otherwise need Deluxe, here's how to start over and choose regular Free Edition:

FAQ:  How do I clear and start over in Online TurboTax?

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, if you qualify.  For example, in addition to Schedules 1-3 it can prepare Schedule C, D, E, F, etc., and enter K-1. 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 AGI is $36,000 or less (for Married Filing Jointly returns, combined AGI of both spouses cannot be over that limit),  or
• 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/...

[Elliander]

In my case, I filed Federal only and was charged $60 which I paid for, but later wanted to file a BASIC state return with ZERO income and ZERO deductions, but now they are asking me to pay money that was not disclosed to me when I paid them the first time.

I get that I need to pay the $60 for Deluxe because it's not a simple 1040 return, but you don't explain why I have to pay another $50 in order to file my state return. If the state return is on a simple 1040 all you guys are doing is charging me a fee for a service that you do not provide. I mean, I have ZERO income and ZERO state deductions. You aren't providing me anything extra services on the state side of things so the logic that this fee is to pay for Deluxe features doesn't make any sense.

Beyond that, it's really REALLY scammy sounding when you present one price, and then add another, and then another. Want to get a refund? Pay us $60. Oh, can't afford that? Pay us $40 more. Oh, did we mention you ALSO have to pay us $50 to file basic returns too simply because you already paid us in the past? No? Too bad, pay us that too.

It simply does not make sense. I'm not even getting the advertised ability to get personalized help. I can't even create my own topic on this forum, let alone email anyone for help. All I can do is reply. 

P.S. - There was no option anywhere to apply for free filing. As a disabled person with zero income, I would absolutely qualify based on what you wrote, but was forced to pay regardless. 

EDIT: To anyone else reading this, they basically scammed me. Their system knew I would qualify for IRS free file, but lied to me by telling me that deluxe was the ONLY way that I could file my return and also withheld information from me. Now I can't even file a basic state return without paying them, even though I shouldn't have had to pay anything. This is such a scam. Never believe anything their software tells you.

[mesquitebean]

@Elliander 

This is mainly a user community forum--not a direct route to TurboTax Support.  They won't see your posting.   To discuss any account-specific fees, you'll need to speak to Customer Support.    Tell them the predicament it caused for your state return.   

  If you qualified for the TurboTax IRS Free File Program, tell them so.  I don't know what they will say/do, but it can't hurt to try.   It'll at least give you a chance to complain about the state return.

You can also see if your state is one that allows a state return to be filed at your state's tax agency website.

I don't know why you're having to file a return with zero income, but I'm just a fellow user--not a tax person.  Are you sure it is required in your state?   I guess some states require a state return just because a Federal return was filed.

Check the filing requirements for your state by using the table in this FAQ:

FAQ:  Do I need to file a state return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/filing-and-paying-taxes/help/do-i-need-to-file-a-state-return/01/2...

TurboTax Support hours are 5AM-5PM Pacific (8AM-8PM Eastern), Mon-Fri

FAQ: What is the TurboTax phone number?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/what-is-the-turbotax-phone-number/00/25632

Or use this contact form:
https://support.turbotax.intuit.com/contact

[mesquitebean]

@Elliander  also wrote:  "I can't even create my own topic on this forum, let alone email anyone for help."

I left you info on phoning TurboTax Support in my answer above.   You said you couldn't create a topic here, but I'm not sure why you were unable to create your own forum topic.    If you do want to start your own thread, then you can do that.   To do so, go to the page at the link below, and click the blue "Ask a Question" button, and that will start your own topic.   The title line is limited in space and is mainly for a summary.  Below that line is a box with plenty of room for details.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/taxes/discussion/02/202

TurboTax doesn't provide user support via email.   You can phone them during business hours using the information I left in my other comments above.  In addition, they provide support through messaging directly with a TurboTax Support agent at Twitter or Facebook:

https://twitter.com/TeamTurboTax
or
https://www.facebook.com/turbotax

[vbish15]

I started with Free version but told me I had to upgrade and use Deluxe for $40 fee (which paid with credit card), then charged me an additional $40 to file the State taxes (I believe total with taxes was $86). I would think the Deluxe package would include the State.  I know H&R Block charges $39.99 and includes it all.  Guess I know who I will be using next year!!!