If my return is less than the price of Turbo Tax Deluxe, do I even need to file? Can I just skip filing this year?

Whether you need to file a tax return depends on your income and filing status, not the cost of TurboTax Deluxe. Here are the key points:

Who must file Per the IRS

Most U.S. citizens or permanent residents who work in the U.S. have to file a tax return.

Generally, you need to file if:

• Your income is over the filing requirement
• You have over $400 in net earnings from self-employment (side jobs or other independent work)
• You had other situations that require you to file

It might pay you to file even if you don’t have to.

Benefits of Filing

Even if your income is below these thresholds, you might still want to file to:

• Claim a Refund: If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, you could get a refund
• Earned Income Tax Credit: You might qualify for credits that result in a refund

The fees have nothing to do with needing to file or if you are getting a refund or tax due.  Why do you need Deluxe?

Do you need to file a return?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/filing-and-paying-taxes/help/do-i-need-to-file-a-federal-return-this-year/00/25546

IRS Do I need to file?

Do I Need to File a Tax Return? | Internal Revenue Service

See IRS pub 501 for filing requirements

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

You don't have to file if you only have W2 income under 14,600 but you can file to get back any withholding taken out in boxes 2 or 17.  But you don't get boxes 4 or 6 back.  If you got a 1099Misc or 1099NEC you have to file it as self employment income no matter how small the amount.