Direct File has many limits, but nearly 19M people in 12 states may be eligible.

“Direct File provides a free, secure option for taxpayers with simple tax situations in 12 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS,” the Treasury Department said. “Direct File is easy to use, with no hidden junk fees, and works as well on a smartphone as it does on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Direct File shows taxpayers the math so they can be sure that their return is accurate, and they are getting the refund they are entitled to.”

You can check whether you qualify to use the system at directfile.irs.gov. Based on the eligibility restrictions in the IRS program, the Treasury Department said it “estimates that one-third of all federal income tax returns filed could be prepared using Direct File.”

But there are many limits that would prevent taxpayers from using the system.

What you can and can’t file

  • explore_broaden@midwest.socialEnglish
    17·
    8 months ago

    It’s listed that way on the Direct File website because the top group of states don’t have state income tax (so you don’t need a separate state return), and the others the Direct File tool has some kind of arrangement to redirect you to the state’s platform at the end to file your state return (on the website there’s a separate explanation for how each of them work).