IRS Direct File won't be available next year
14 days ago
- #government
- #taxes
- #IRS
- IRS Direct File, a free electronic tax filing system, will not be available for the 2026 tax season.
- The program, developed under Biden, was praised for being easy, fast, and economical but faced criticism from Republicans and commercial tax preparers.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated there are 'better alternatives' and that the private sector can handle tax filing more effectively.
- Despite its popularity (296,531 users in 2025, up from 140,803 in 2024), the program was discontinued under the Trump administration.
- The IRS was instructed to halt development for the 2026 season, and the Direct File website now states it is closed.
- Critics argue the decision benefits wealthy interests while increasing costs for average taxpayers.