topic getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before we can file. in Filing

getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before we can file.

AghaHassanIsrar — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:03:23 GMT

Even though the option is unchecked:
Transfer of tuition to a spouse, parent or grandparent

im still being forced to upgrade.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before we can file.

AghaHassanIsrar — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:08:21 GMT

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

TurboTax_Susan — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:42:49 GMT

Please contact our phone support team as they will be able to assist you further.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before we can file.

klsntg — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:07:46 GMT

Just got out of a call with Turbotax Support regarding this same issue. Shared my screen and an expert was having me click on the prompts they box over. What I learned is that the only way to actually remove the transfer is to AGAIN upgrade to deluxe. I was adamant that my aunt and uncle (that I'm helping with taxes) did not want to pay any extra amount, thus they didn't want to transfer the tuition as it entails having to upgrade.

Call ended with support telling me to try re-doing the return and making sure I don't click anything I didn't want (which was what was already happening before I asked them for help). Gonna try to see if it does anything different and come back.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

TurboTaxBrenda — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 14:12:58 GMT

Yes, that is correct; if there is a tuition transfer, you will need to upgrade to deluxe.

Thank you for choosing TurboTax.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

klsntg — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:17:23 GMT

That's correct. However, me and OP are trying NOT to transfer the tuition to the other person but there is no option not to. The tuition transfer becomes inevitable despite the checkbox (in the screenshot OP attached) being unchecked. No resolution has been found aside from paying for the upgrade even if you don't want the tuition transferred.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

TurboTax_Susan — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:24:18 GMT

@klsntg When you start the return are you transferring info from the previous year? If so did your aunt and uncle take a tuition transfer last year?

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

klsntg — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:29:25 GMT

No transfer. This is my aunt's first year as a student. They do not want a transfer at all. By the time I try to file their taxes, the prompt to upgrade due to a transfer appears. I go back to the return and make sure the transfer tuition box is NOT checked, but her tuition is transferred anyway.

Re: getting this error: Because your return includes tuition transfer, you need to upgrade before...

TurboTaxAniqua — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:55:47 GMT

Please contact our phone support team, as they will be able to assist you further.