Why is turbo tax forcing me into DELUXE when I only need BASIC

You probably entered something that the Free Edition doesn't cover.

To go back to the Free Edition you can try to clear and start over https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/using-turbotax/help/how-do-i-clear-and-start-over-in-turbotax-online/00/26444

If you started your tax return in TurboTax Free Edition (Form 1040 with limited credits; roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify), you won't need to clear and start over. You can select Switch to Free Edition instead.

In the Turbo Tax Free Edition, information that you can enter is limited now.  Why do I have to upgrade from the Free Edition?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/upgrading/help/why-do-i-have-to-upgrade-from-free-edition/00/26379

Or try the IRS Free File program
https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

Here is what TurboTax provides for the free edition:

"TurboTax Online: Important Details about Filing Simple Form 1040 Returns

If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or student loan interest), you can file for free yourself with TurboTax Free Edition, or you can file with TurboTax Live Assisted Basic at the listed price. Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible.

 

Examples of situations included in a simple Form 1040 return (assuming no added tax complexity):

• W-2 income
• Interest, dividends or original issue discounts (1099-INT/1099-DIV/1099-OID) that don’t require filing a Schedule B
• IRS standard deduction
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Student loan interest deduction
• Taxable qualified retirement plan distributions

Examples of situations not included in a simple Form 1040 return:

• Itemized deductions claimed on Schedule A, like charitable contributions, medical expenses, mortgage interest and state and local tax deductions
• Unemployment income reported on a 1099-G
• Business or 1099-NEC income (often reported by those who are self-employed, gig workers or freelancers)
• Stock sales (including crypto investments)
• Income from rental property or property sales
• Credits, deductions and income reported on other forms or schedules"

See the link below:

• TurboTax  Free Edition