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IRS has launched its free tax filing service, Direct File, in 12 states (arstechnica.com)

submitted 3 months ago by ForgottenFlux@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

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"Direct File provides a free, secure option for taxpayers with simple tax situations in 12 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS," the Treasury Department said. "Direct File is easy to use, with no hidden junk fees, and works as well on a smartphone as it does on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Direct File shows taxpayers the math so they can be sure that their return is accurate, and they are getting the refund they are entitled to."

You can check whether you qualify to use the system at directfile.irs.gov. Based on the eligibility restrictions in the IRS program, the Treasury Department said it "estimates that one-third of all federal income tax returns filed could be prepared using Direct File."

But there are many limits that would prevent taxpayers from using the system.

What you can and can’t file

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[–] Gordon@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

This is exciting, now just to wait until it's available in my state.

[–] GlendatheGayWitch@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

They have had a list of websites that will file at least federal taxes for free. Some have free state returns as well, however, your Adjusted Gross Income must be less than $79,000.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/

[–] Burn_The_Right@lemmy.world 3 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

Never, ever trust the IRS list of "free" file sites. The IRS has a long history of posting fake "free" filing links. They were accepting bribes to keep Intuit's fake free sites listed for over a decade. The IRS list should never, ever be trusted.

FreeTaxUSA.com is the only trustworthy free-filing site I am aware of. For more complex filing, they have some (low) fees, but they are very transparent about all of that. Plus, they are easier to use than Intuit/TurboTax.

[–] GlendatheGayWitch@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago

FreeTaxUSA is one of the sites listed.

I've also used Tax Hawk for a few years and it's been free.

I wasn't aware that their site was promoting Intuit software.