Can I file 2019 taxes for free? System defaults to various levels of paid choices. Why can't I file for free?

Online is now closed for new returns.  To do a 2019 year return you have to buy the Desktop program here,

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You will need a full Windows or Mac to install it on.

If you want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

Here is the 2019 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

2019 Instructions https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

2019 EIC and Tax Tables  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040tt.pdf

2019 Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

TurboTax only offers a Free online edition for the current tax year.  The 2019 online editions have closed.

To complete and file a 2019 tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase, download and install on a personal computer one of the 2019 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

A 2019 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.