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Level 3
posted Feb 5, 2020 5:42:24 AM

Won’t let me select free version

This is the last year I’ll be using TurboTax. Despite not needing it TurboTax would only let me select deluxe and charged me 40.00. I have no deductions that would require the deluxe. Anyone else have that problem? 

13 12 40620
12 Replies
Expert Alumni
Feb 5, 2020 8:15:46 AM

The information that you can enter in Free Edition is pretty limited now.  Thanks to the new tax laws, there are no more simple Form 1040EZ or 1040A's.  Everything goes on a little Form 1040 that has six extra schedules with it, and if you need any of those schedules, you are not able to use the Free Edition.

 

Before switching to the IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, it’s important to make sure you’re eligible for the product. If you answer yes to any of these question, you qualify:

  • Is your adjusted gross income (AGI) $36,000 or less?
  • Were you active duty military in 2019 with an AGI of $69,000 or less?
  • Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)?

To switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax:

  1. Sign out of your existing TurboTax account.
  2. Go to the IRS Free File delivered by TurboTax website and sign in to your same account from there.
  3. Select Yes, switch to IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax when asked, and Continue.

 

 

 

 

Level 3
Feb 5, 2020 10:41:32 AM

I’m using tax act next year 

Level 1
Feb 15, 2021 12:47:40 PM

I am unable to use the free irs choice. I go to the site (yes i definitely qualify) and click the i qualify link and sign in. I click the switch over to free etc and it still charges be $120! I have even restarted the entire tax process from scratch and it isn't working. It seems like this is done on purpose to dissuade qualified tax payers from getting their promised benefit.

Intuit Alumni
Feb 15, 2021 1:13:52 PM

To see what you are being charged for please follow the instructions in the following FAQ. https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/charges-and-fees/help/how-do-i-review-my-fees-in-turbotax-online/00/26353  

If you have not yet filed your tax return, then proceed to follow the directions in the FAQ below to remove all unwanted add-ons.  

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

Please see the FAQ below for more information on downgrading your current version of TurboTax. https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/downgrading/help/can-i-downgrade-to-a-lower-priced-version-of-turbotax-online/00/25591

Level 1
Nov 5, 2023 6:44:36 PM

lol yeah they've "elected" to not participate in IRS Free File anymore, just going full scam now. ya'll are the worst. 

New Member
Feb 3, 2024 2:58:33 PM

Indeed they have. Made it very difficult to find that information as well.

Level 15
Feb 3, 2024 3:00:56 PM


@Solos82 wrote:

Indeed they have. Made it very difficult to find that information as well.


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

New Member
Apr 12, 2024 3:28:04 PM

I'm having the same problem and I can't get passed it to file without paying for what should be free.

Level 15
Apr 12, 2024 3:29:22 PM


@tonkytonk wrote:

I'm having the same problem and I can't get passed it to file without paying for what should be free.


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 2023 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

New Member
Apr 14, 2024 10:41:03 PM

As of 15 April 2024:
"Since Intuit has exited the IRS Free File program, we no longer offer IRS Free File Program delivered by TurboTax, formerly known as TurboTax Free File Program and TurboTax Freedom Edition."

New Member
Jan 21, 2025 3:54:00 PM

I had the same problem, I needed no Help with my taxes this year and was forced to get the live assisted version.  Not once did I click the live assistant button, I did both federal and state taxes on my own, and was then forced to pay 40 dollars each on top of a 40 dollar payment processing fee, so I paid 120 dollars total to do my own taxes which is ridiculous!!!

New Member
Mar 31, 2025 7:56:07 PM

Yea that did not work. A bunch of shady crooks