why do I have to pay this year last year to file was free

[DoninGA]

The TurboTax Free online edition is for very simple tax returns that do not require any other form or schedule other than the Form 1040.  If your tax data requires entry on any other form or schedule then you must upgrade to the Deluxe edition or higher.

If you have not paid for the online edition you are using, have not filed your tax return or registered the Free edition, then you can clear your return and start over with a lower priced edition. Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the program screen while working on the 2024 online tax return. Click on Clear & Start Over.

[DawnC]

Depending on what your tax situation was last year, you might need to use new tax forms to claim the same deductions, credits, or forms of income. Some of the situations that are now in TurboTax Deluxe and TurboTax Live Deluxe, instead of in Free Edition, include:

• Unemployment income
• Retirement Savings Contribution Credit for 401(k) and IRA contributions
• Education credits
• Child Dependent Care Credit

Get more information on which forms are included in TurboTax Free Edition.   

You can downgrade, back to the Free version if you still think you qualify.   That link has instructions.