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To simplify tax filing, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has expanded its Direct File program to 25 states, offering a free, user-friendly platform for eligible taxpayers to file their federal returns directly with the agency. This expansion aims to alleviate the financial burden of tax preparation, which averages $140 per filer, and streamline the filing process for millions.
Direct File, accessible via directfile.irs.gov, provides an intuitive, ad-free interface compatible with smartphones, tablets, and computers. The platform guides users through their tax returns with step-by-step assistance and offers live chat support in English and Spanish. It can import data from IRS accounts, including W-2 information, to expedite the filing process.
Eligibility for Direct File is limited to taxpayers with straightforward tax situations, such as those reporting W-2 wages, Social Security income, or unemployment compensation. It supports various credits, including the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit.
Despite its benefits, the program faces political headwinds. Some lawmakers and private tax preparation companies argue that Direct File duplicates existing services and questions the IRS’s role in tax preparation. The program’s future remains uncertain amid debates over IRS funding and modernization efforts.
As the IRS continues to navigate these challenges, taxpayers in participating states have until October 15, 2025, to utilize Direct File for their 2024 tax returns. The agency encourages eligible individuals to use this free resource to simplify their tax filing experience. IRS Direct File
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