We are all tired of paying hundreds of dollars every year to access software licenses and payment platforms in order to pay our taxes. Being a responsible taxpayer, of course, means paying the appropriate taxes, but it should be a right for all citizens to do so at no cost or with minimal costs, if possible.
This is vox populi that has been repeated for years among Americans, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has just announced a step in that direction. Its successful free e-filing program, Direct File, will be expanded to all 50 states and the District of Columbia beginning with the 2025 tax season.
The initiative aims to provide millions of taxpayers with a more accessible and simpler alternative to comply with their tax obligations, eliminating the obligation to pay for commercial software or hire the services of tax preparers.
Direct File has been implemented as a pilot program in two states during the 2024 tax filing, and was successfully used by tens of thousands of taxpayers. Many loved the program and 90% rated it as “excellent” or “above average”, highlighting its ease of use and the gratuity of the service.
Who Can Use IRS Direct File?
The IRS has not yet defined the specific eligibility criteria for using this tax return software. However, it is expected that the program will initially be aimed at those taxpayers with annual income equal to or less than $400,000.
It is also to be expected that, over time, the IRS will expand eligibility as the system’s capacity to receive and process an increasing volume of tax returns expands.
As the program progresses and grows, it is expected to play an increasingly relevant role in the tax seasons, in the direction of democratizing access to reliable and affordable tax filing services for the majority.
Benefits of Using the Free IRS Direct File Platform
The benefits of using the Direct File program are several. The first is that the program has no cost for users, eliminating the financial burden associated with paying for tax preparation software or hiring professional preparers.
Direct File also uses advanced technology for user security. The IRS guarantees the protection of data from the moment it leaves the taxpayer’s device until it reaches the agency’s digital files. Finally, the program provides users with access to a variety of resources and tools designed to support and help them complete their tax returns correctly and on time.
Representatives of taxpayers and civil associations throughout the United States have celebrated the advancement and expansion of Direct File as an initiative of the IRS towards the modernization and simplification of the tax filing process. For more information about Direct File, visit the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/ or contact your local IRS office.
