Why do i have to pay to use TurboTax?

[malherbeconor]

What are the costs of using turbotax to file my taxes

[VolvoGirl]

It depends what Online version you use.  Only the Free Edition is free.  deluxe and above costs for Federal and a separate fee for state.  

Online Deluxe

TurboTax® Deluxe Online 2024-2025 | Maximize Tax Deductions

Online Premium

TurboTax® Premium Online 2024-2025 | Self-Employed & Investor Tax Software

In the Online versions the fees are to prepare the returns whether you efile or print and mail.  Efiling is free and included.

How to review your fees

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online/0...

For help with fees

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/what-can-i-do-to-reduce-my-fees/00/26051

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...

If you started your tax return in TurboTax Free Edition (Form 1040 with limited credits; roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify), you won't need to clear and start over. You can select Switch to Free Edition instead.

In the 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

Or try the IRS Free File program
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

[rjs]

"Why do i have to pay to use TurboTax?"

TurboTax is not a charity. It's a commercial company that is in business to make money by selling tax software and services. They invest many millions of dollars in developing the software. They have to charge for the use of the software in order to recover the cost of developing it. The fees for using the software are the only source of funds to pay the cost of developing it.