Why is it forcing me to get turbo tax deluxe?

You may not qualify for the free version

The Free edition is for very simple tax returns. 

You can start for free; however, if the software requires more advanced features, there will be an additional charge.

Situations covered (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest or dividends (1099-INT/1099-DIV) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction

Situations not covered:

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income
• Stock sales (including crypto investments)
• Rental property income
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules

Select [Start for Free] on the TurboTax Website.