Direct File
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New free tax filing program from the IRS...
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That is great. There is no reason that this should not be available to everybody to files for US taxes.
There was an article about how the lobbying of the tax companies (HR Block, etc) has managed to stop this from happening.
It should be so easy - the IRS already has the data. It would cut down on errors and speed things up.
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For very simple returns, yes.
How many of us have simple returns?
“Cry havoc and let slip the DOGE of war!”
Those who cheered as J-6 American prisoners were locked in solitary for 18 months without trial, now suddenly fight tooth and nail for foreign terrorists’ "due process". — Buck Sexton
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I don't know, but would guess 50% maybe?
But if companies like HR Block, etc can make a tax program that covers a very high majority of the people, it is definitely possible. If someone wants to use an outside company or finance person, that should be there choice.
I just think that a IRS tax program would simplify things greatly for many many people.
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@Jolly said in Direct File:
For very simple returns, yes.
How many of us have simple returns?
Other than a brokerage account (in Mrs. George's name), my return is damn simple. I could do it myself in about 10 minutes.
When I get the brokerage 1099, oy vey!
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@Jolly said in Direct File:
For very simple returns, yes.
How many of us have simple returns?
Other than a brokerage account (in Mrs. George's name), my return is damn simple. I could do it myself in about 10 minutes.
When I get the brokerage 1099, oy vey!
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@Jolly said in Direct File:
For very simple returns, yes.
A good place to start. I am OK with that.
From the article:
Who qualifies for IRS Direct File
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Residents of eligible states with a simple, straightforward return can qualify. The pilot will start with limited types of income, credits and deductions, IRS officials said.
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The pilot will only accept Form W-2 wages, Social Security retirement income, unemployment earnings and interest of $1,500 or less. This means the pilot won’t include anyone with gig economy work or business income.
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You must claim the standard deduction to use the Direct File pilot and the system only accepts a few credits — the earned income tax credit, child tax credit and credit for other dependents. The software also accepts tax breaks for student loan interest and educator expenses.Start simple, but start somewhere nonetheless. This is good.
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The IRS will make "Direct File" permanent.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/30/politics/irs-direct-file-free/index.html
Good stuff.
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I agree. It makes sense. For simple taxes, the IRS already has your data. I think that the tax software companies must donate to alot of politicians. LOL
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The Internal Revenue Service announced today that Direct File will be available for the 2025 tax filing season in double the number of states than last year’s pilot, and it will cover a wider range of tax situations, greatly expanding the number of taxpayers eligible to use the free e-filing service.
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During the pilot last year, Direct File was available in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State and Wyoming. For the 2025 tax filing season, Direct File will also be available in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
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During the pilot last year, Direct File covered limited tax situations, including wage income reported on a W-2 form, Social Security income, unemployment compensation and certain credits and deductions. For the 2025 filing season, Direct File will support 1099’s for interest income greater than $1,500, retirement income and the 1099 for Alaska residents reporting the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend.
During the pilot, Direct File supported taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. This year, Direct File will also cover taxpayers claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Premium Tax Credit, Credit for the Elderly and Disabled, and Retirement Savings Contribution Credits. In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, this year, Direct File will support taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Accounts.
