Map Shows States Where You Can File Your Taxes for Free
March 14, 2024
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched its online tax return program, meaning some U.S. tax filers can create and file their returns completely free of charge.
IRS Direct File is a pilot tool available across 12 U.S. states that allows Americans to file their taxes straight to the IRS instead of using a third-party provider. Currently available in 12 states after being launched on March 12, the program is available to those who do not have complex tax returns.
The program has been endorsed by President Joe Biden, who posted on X, formerly Twitter, to announce its launch this week, saying it was launched thanks to his Inflation Reduction Act, which “invested new resources in the IRS to allow the agency to provide world class service to taxpayers,” according to the U.S Treasury Department.
A stock image of a tax return with U.S. dollar bills. Taxes can now be filed directly with the IRS instead of using a third-party provider if you live in certain states and do not… A stock image of a tax return with U.S. dollar bills. Taxes can now be filed directly with the IRS instead of using a third-party provider if you live in certain states and do not have complex tax returns.
GETTY
“The early results from Direct File have shown taxpayers like the ease and convenience of the tool, and moving into the full-scale launch of the pilot will give more taxpayers the chance to use this free option,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement.
“Expanding Direct File as the tax deadline approaches will provide more taxpayers a way to file directly with the IRS for free, and it will give us more valuable information to assess this pilot. For those who haven’t filed their taxes in these 12 states, we encourage them to visit IRS.gov and see if Direct File is the right option for them.”
Who can use IRS Direct File?
As Direct File is only in its pilot stage, it is not available in every state and for every taxpayer. An estimated 19 million people across the 12 states are eligible to use Direct File.
Tax filers residing in the following places are eligible to use Direct File, as long as they meet certain requirements:
Arizona
California
Florida
Massachusetts
Nevada
New Hampshire
New York
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
A map of states showing which states (red) are part of the IRS Direct File pilot. A map of states showing which states (red) are part of the IRS Direct File pilot. Flourish
According to the Treasury Department, 5.2 million people in California will be able to use Direct File this tax season, as well as 3.8 million in Texas, 2.8 million in New York, 2.4 million in Florida and 1.1 million in Washington.
For those who meet the geographical requirement, IRS Direct File is available if you have W2, SSA-1099 Social Security income, 1099-G unemployment income and 1099-INT interest income of $1,500 or less.
You cannot use Direct File at this stage if you:
Are a freelance worker
Have business income
Take credits other than the earned income tax credit, child tax credit or credit for other dependents
If you itemize deductions
Newsweek has contacted the IRS for comment via email.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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