If I upgrade to TurboTax Deluxe but then find out that the tax return does not belong to me, do I still need to pay a Deluxe package fee?

[xmasbaby0]

What do you mean "find out the tax return does not belong to me?"

[Ieva]

Well, I read that due to the change (IRS Publication 515) one will not receive any federal refunds if one has earned less than $9,525 during the year. I earned less than that. However, the TurboTax shows that I can get my federal taxes returned, so I am not sure how to interpret this.

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure what you read or think you read----do you have a W-2 with an amount in box 2?

[Ieva]

Yes, I do.

[xmasbaby0]

Then if you earned less than $12,000 the amount in box 2 should be your tax refund.  You do not need to use Deluxe.  See below.

[Ieva]

Well, I am not a US resident, I worked there only for a summer while I was an exchange student there. I guess this is the reason they require me to go for Deluxe.

[xmasbaby0]

Now you tell me.  If you are a non-resident alien then you cannot use TurboTax.
NON RESIDENT ALIEN  
If you are a non-resident alien, your return must be filed on Form 1040NR, which cannot be prepared using TurboTax.  You can use TT’s partner, sprintax:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.sprintax.com/non-resident-alien-tax-1040nr-turbotax.html">https://www.sprintax.com/non-r...>

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You qualify to use Free File for your federal and state returns.

Try Free File: 

You qualify if your income was $34,000 or less, or $66,000 or less if active duty military, or if you qualify for Earned Income Credit

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900583-what-is-turbotax-free-file-program

• How do I switch to TurboTax Free File Program?