People will have a surefire, government-sponsored way to file their taxes for free in the 2025 filing season.
The Internal Revenue Service announced its Direct File program, piloted for 12 states earlier this year, is going to be made permanent starting with the 2025 filing season.
“President Biden is committed to saving Americans time and money and ensuring families receive the tax benefits they’re owed,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. “Providing a free tool to all Americans who want the option to file directly with the IRS is key to achieving those goals.”
“After a successful pilot, we are making Direct File permanent and inviting all 50 states to offer this free filing option to their residents. The Treasury Department and IRS look forward to working with states to expand Direct File to Americans across the country.”
The release noted that 140,000 taxpayers took advantage of the program, receiving more than $90 million in refunds and saving an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs.
“The clear message is that many taxpayers across the nation want the IRS to provide more than one no-cost option for filing electronically,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said. “So, starting with the 2025 filing season, the IRS will make Direct File a permanent option for filing federal tax returns. Giving taxpayers additional options strengthens the tax filing system. And adding Direct File to the menu of filing options fits squarely into our effort to make taxes as easy as possible for Americans, including saving time and money.”
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Some tax services that make filing easier, such as TurboTax, can cost more than $130 to use.
“Direct File is central to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to deliver modern, world-class customer service using Inflation Reduction Act resources,” the statement said. “Direct File also advances a goal of the IRS’s Strategic Operation Plan (SOP) to ensure that taxpayers receive tax credits that they are eligible for, like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS will continue to improve the product over time and ensure that it remains free, secure, and easy to use.”