Why am I being charged to file when I can qualify for free filing?

Level 15

Apr 14, 2025 1:01:35 PM

If you have not registered, paid or e-filed you can clear and start over in a lower version of the software.

CLEAR AND START OVER

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/clear-start-turbotax-online/L37BZFuBV_US_en_US?uid=m6b26ost

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/change-service-level/downgrade-lower-priced-version-turbotax-online/L2IDaMvkt_US_en_US?uid=m5ydiw67

If you started in the Free Edition and entered any data that required any extra forms or schedules, you have to upgrade to a paid version and if you are watching the screens carefully you are alerted to the upgrade.

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or student loan interest), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

Examples of situations included in a simple Form 1040 return (assuming no added tax complexity):

W-2 income
Interest, dividends or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
IRS standard deduction
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Student loan interest deduction
Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions

Examples of situations not included in a simple Form 1040 return:

Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A, like charitable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions
Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
Business or 1099-NEC income (often reported by those who are self-employed, gig workers or freelancers)
Stock sales (including crypto investments)
Income from rental property or property sales
Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules
1095A for marketplace health insurance

How can I see my TurboTax fees?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/intuit-account-billing/review-fees-turbotax-online/L1XnIzgzg_US_en_US?uid=m682vq7k

If your TurboTax fees are higher than expected, you can reduce them by removing add-ons (BEFORE you e-file) :

Or—-Use this IRS site for other ways to file for free. There are 8 free software versions available from the IRS Free File site

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

Or—if you live in certain states you may be eligible to use the new IRS Direct File

In Filing Season 2025, Direct File will be available in Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

https://directfile.irs.gov/

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2629

Expert Alumni

Apr 14, 2025 1:01:58 PM

You should review your fees in your TurboTax account to find out what type of fee you are being charged. Sometimes you start with the Free Edition (which is typically a simple form 1040), but as you enter more complex forms or sections you might be required to upgrade depending on your individual situation.

To locate the fees section, view the link below

How do I review my fees in TurboTax Online?

To see why are you being charged or to remove any non-desirable fees, click on the link below

Why am I being charged for TurboTax Free Edition?

Why sign in to the Community?

Why am I being charged to file when I can qualify for free filing?