IRS Launches Free Tax-Filing Pilot Program, Direct File

Initially Available to Government Employees in 12 States, the Program is Expected to Expand to Private-Sector Workers

The IRS is launching a free tax-filing pilot program, Direct File, initially available to government employees in 12 states with specific tax situations.
Direct File will provide step-by-step guidance, real-time support online, and service in Spanish and English, accessible on various devices.
The program is expected to expand to private-sector workers in the same 12 states in February and March.
Direct File is a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provided the IRS with a $80 billion dollar 10-year funding allocation.
Despite its current limitations, the IRS’s direct file tool could help tens of millions of Americans file simple returns for free.