Why can't I file for free this year?

[JotikaT2]

It depends.

The Free Edition only supports wages and the Earned income credit calculations.   

If you have other credits, such as "Education Credits,"  "Residential Energy Credits," or "Premium Tax Credit," these require additional forms. 

When you received the notification asking you to upgrade, it's most likely because you have entered some information in your return which requires additional tax forms not included in the free edition. 

If you click the link below, it should help you determine which forms apply to you and why you do not qualify for the Free version this year.

Forms included in TurboTax products 

[VolvoGirl]

There are 2 free versions. In the regular Turbo Tax Free Edition, information that you can enter is limited now.  Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

To go back to a lower version or the Free Edition you can try to clear and start over https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-onli...

OR There is also The Turbo Tax Free File program which is free for federal and state.  And has more forms than the Federal Free Edition, like Schedules A, B, C , D, E, F, EIC, H, K-1, SE,  etc.

To qualify for the Free File website  you just need to meet one of these 3 things
AGI $36,000 or less
Active duty military with AGI of $69,000 or less
OR qualify for EIC (earned income credit.)

In order to use the Free File program, you have to start it at a special website. Try signing in at the top right
https://freefile.intuit.com/