Why is it making me buy the deluxe version to finish my tax return???

[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.

Go to this TurboTax website for the Free online edition - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/free-edition.jsp

Please Note -

TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Form 1040 Returns with Limited Credits

A Form 1040 return with limited credits is one that's filed using IRS Form 1040 only (with the exception of the specific covered situations described below). Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

If you have a Form 1040 return and are claiming limited credits only, you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition or TurboTax Live Assisted Basic (if available), or you can file with TurboTax Full Service at the listed price.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales (including crypto investments)
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

[LindaS5247]

If TurboTax determines that your tax situation needs expanded coverage, such as deductions for owning a home, unemployment income, or self-employment income, the program will prompt you to upgrade to a version that supports the forms you need.  This is done to maximize your tax deductions and to ensure that you file an accurate tax return.

The only schedules supported in the TurboTax free edition are for the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit and student loan interest.

Without seeing your tax return, it is hard to say what prompted the upgrade. ‌You can contact TurboTax support by clicking this link: How do I contact TurboTax?

If you have not paid for TurboTax Deluxe, then you can downgrade to the free version by using the Clear Start Over option. ‌You can do this by clicking on "Tax Tools" in the left panel of your TurboTax program and then click on "Tools".  In the "Tools Center" scroll down and select "Clear and Start Over".

The following tax situations are not covered by TurboTax Free Edition:

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales (including crypto investments)
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

Here is a list of some tax situations that are now covered under TurboTax Deluxe instead of in Free Edition:

• 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.

Click here for information on removing unwanted charges on you r TurboTax return.

Click here for "Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?"

Click here for details of what is on a simple tax return.

Click here for "Free File for Simple Form 1040 Returns – 37%Qualify