If you are trying to use the Free Edition--- a "simple" return includes entering interest or dividends of no more than $1500. If it is more you have to upgrade to Deluxe. Filing by mail does not lower the cost.
You can file with TurboTax Free Edition if you have a simple tax return.*
*A simple tax return is Form 1040 only.
Situations covered in TurboTax Free Edition include:
- W-2 income
Limited
interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV- Claiming the standard deduction
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC)
- Child tax credits
- Student Loan Interest deduction
Situations not covered in TurboTax Free Edition include:
- Itemized deductions
- Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
- Business or 1099-NEC income
- Stock sales
- Rental property income
- Credits, deductions and income reported on schedules 1-3