IRS free tax e-filing expanded

I.R.S. Expands Its Free Tax Filing Option

The Direct File system will be open to millions of taxpayers in 25 states, up from 12 last year. But it’s unclear what will happen to the program next year.

By Ann Carrns, The New York Times,
Jan. 24, 2025

Tax season opens Monday, and the Internal Revenue Service has announced that it has expanded its free online system for filing 2024 returns directly with the federal government.

The Direct File option was initially offered in a dozen states last year to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with simple returns…

This year, according to the I.R.S. online eligibility tool, single filers with wages of $200,000 or less in 2024 can use Direct File. For those with more than one employer, the cutoff drops to $168,600. Married couples filing jointly are eligible as long as their combined wages don’t exceed $250,000. People who itemize deductions aren’t eligible to use Direct File…

On average, Americans spend about 13 hours and $270 to prepare their taxes every year, according to the I.R.S…[end quote]

AARP Tax Aide is a free service offered by appointment in many areas. Trained volunteers prepare and file taxes for elderly and moderate income taxpayers. But the vast majority of taxpayers don’t take advantage of this.

IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. It’s safe, easy and no cost to you. Those who don’t qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms.

Prepare and file your taxes online – for free – directly with the IRS. Direct File is simple, accurate and secure.

Direct File includes new features this year to make filing taxes quicker and easier. Direct File opens January 27, 2025

You can file your taxes with Direct File the first day of filing season in 25 participating states.

The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025. Direct File is open until October 15, 2025.

This is a great boon for people who qualify. (I don’t.) Needless to say, the companies that sell tax prep software are lobbying to discontinue the program.
Wendy

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Geez Wendy, this incessant badgering between Leap and Dr, Bob is becoming quite the distraction to meaningful dialog…can’t you send them to 'time out?
or their own room?

As long as they badger each other like gentlemen they aren’t violating METAR rules. The moment they descend into personal insults I will ZAP! them because that would violate the rules. Meanwhile, I just scroll by. [rolling eyes]
Wendy

  • All METAR regulars please respond if yes
0 voters

If yes about what?

DB2

Wendy’s post immediately above she discloses why she just leaves them alone rather than directly suggesting the two of them might just chill about each other.

Something like that. Sorry i did not specify.

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