After weeks of testing, an electronic system for filing returns directly to the IRS is now available to taxpayers from 12 selected states.
The new system, called Direct File, is a free online tool. Taxpayers in the selected states who have very simple W-2s and claim a standard deduction may be eligible to use it this tax season to file their federal income taxes. The program will also offer a Spanish version, which will be available starting at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.
“This is a milestone,” said IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel during a Tuesday press conference to announce the expanded availability of the program. Tax season officially began January 29 and the filing deadline is April 15.
“Direct File marks the first time you can electronically file a tax return directly with the IRS,” Werfel said. “And you can’t beat the price — its free.”