The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) released the pilot version of a free tool called Direct File that allows households to file their yearly federal taxes directly with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The program is being piloted in 12 states: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Direct File is a groundbreaking new service that allows taxpayers to file their taxes directly with the IRS quickly, safely, and for free. The program features a filing checklist that helps users track their information and ensure all steps are completed properly and provides live support from IRS customer service representatives. Users are also able to save their information and return to their filing form later before submitting. Based on available information, it is estimated that Direct File could save people an average of at least $150 and nine hours of labor each tax filing season.
As a pilot program, Direct File’s future iterations will be shaped by users’ experiences with the tool this tax year. In addition to being required to live in one of the 12 pilot states in 2023, individuals using the tool must have an online account with the IRS, as well as a Taxpayer Identification Number for themselves, their spouses, and any dependents. Learn more about the program here.