Why does the Turbo Tax app force you to choose the deluxe service? Both the app and the online connection force the user to select a $ option. Can someone confirm this is the case?

[Kat]

The TurboTax edition that is right for you is determined by your individual tax situation.  Only the simplest tax returns qualify for the Free Edition.  The TurboTax FAQ below will explain more.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/01/26379

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[NCperson]

but there is a totally different website for the "really free" tax returns - it has to be really simple and last year the income limit was $34,000.   

https://turbotax.intuit.com/taxfreedom/

it's not available until mid-January. 

[Critter]

There are several TurboTax editions when using the online web based programs - Free, Plus, Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed.  Only the Free edition is free for both federal and state tax returns.  However, the Free edition is only good for very simple tax returns.  If the user enters tax data that is not supported by the Free online editions then one of the paid editions must be used.

TurboTax also is part of the Free File Alliance and provides the Freedom Edition for eligible taxpayers.  The Freedom Edition usually becomes available in mid-January of the tax year.

These were the requirements for the tax year 2018 Freedom Edition -

IRS Free File Program - https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
If you are eligible you can use the TurboTax Free File Program which is free to file both a federal and state tax return. The Free File Program edition is a full featured personal tax program and on a separate website from the TurboTax online editions.

To qualify for free 2018 ***  federal and state tax returns with the Free File Program, you'll need to meet at least one of these requirements:

• A maximum 2018 adjusted gross income (AGI) of $34,000; or
• You qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC); or
• You served as active duty military (including Reservists and National Guard) with a maximum 2018 AGI of $66,000 (you'll also need a military-issued W-2).

***2019 requirements are not yet posted 

See this TurboTax support FAQ on the Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-the-turbotax-free-file-program

See this TurboTax support FAQ for the difference between the Free File Progam and the Free edition - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2572617-what-s-the-difference-between-free-file-program-and-free-e...

And see this TurboTax support FAQ on how to switch to the TurboTax Free File Program - https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2026912-how-do-i-switch-to-turbotax-free-file-program