Why do I have to upgrade from Free Edition?

TurboTax Free Edition is intended for taxpayers who file with simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules except for Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest). Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify.

If we detect that your tax situation requires expanded coverage, like deductions for owning a home, unemployment income, or self-employment income, we'll prompt you to upgrade to a version that supports the forms you need so that we can maximize your tax deductions and ensure you file an accurate return.

Depending on what your tax situation was last year, you might need to use new tax forms to claim the same deductions, credits, or forms of income. Some of the situations that are now in TurboTax Deluxe and TurboTax Live Deluxe, instead of in Free Edition, include:

• 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.