Because, if you read the fine print, the limited return packages are only for the year calendar year.  During 2020, you get to do 50 returns, to be completed on or before 12/31/2020.  I know you surely thought that you would get 50 returns for the 2019 tax year, and had unlimited time in which to do them; but that's not how intuit rolls these days.  They have changed the way they do things to find creative ways to milk more cash out of people who choose the limited or lesser (basic) software packages.  Of course, the $399 "fast path" thing is a punitive measure for anyone that leaves them.  I don't do a lot of "business" returns (partnerships, corporations, trusts, estates, 990's, etc.), so I ordered a unlimited 1040 package, with limited business, but in a quantity that was more than in excess of what I might need.  Well, in comes a non-profit that I typically do for free every year; and BAM, I the pay-per-retunt notice pops up on the screen.  I call intuit.  They explain that the non-profits aren't actually a business, so it's not included in the business package.  Of course, an estate isn't a business, either . . . . but anyway.  The PPR for a 990 is $68 federal, plus another $43 if you need a state variant.