Trump Administration Plans to Eliminate IRS Direct File Program
The Trump administration is set to end the IRS Direct File program, a free electronic tax filing system developed under Biden, amidst controversy.
A free IRS program allowing taxpayers to file their taxes directly without a tax preparation service could be short-lived.
Trump admin eyeing closure of IRS Direct File program: Report
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The program developed during Joe Biden’s presidency was credited by users with making tax filing easy, fast and economical.
Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, sources say
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The IRS has faced intense blowback to Direct File from private tax preparation companies that have made billions from charging people to use their software and have spent millions lobbying Congress.
Trump administration plans to end the IRS Direct File program for free tax filing, AP sources say
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Summary
The Trump administration intends to eliminate the IRS Direct File program, which allows taxpayers to file their returns for free. Critics argue that the program simplifies tax filing, while opponents, including tax prep companies, claim it's ineffective and costly. The program had expanded in 2025 to cover 25 states, but its low submission success rate has raised concerns. The decision has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders, with some viewing it as a loss for taxpayers and others calling it a necessary cut.
Perspectives
The Trump administration is planning to eliminate the IRS Direct File program, which was considered beneficial for taxpayers seeking a straightforward and cost-free way to file their taxes directly with the IRS.
Supporters of the program argue it simplifies the tax filing process and reduces costs for families, while critics, including some Republican lawmakers and tax preparation companies, claim it is a waste of resources and unnecessary since there are existing free filing options, albeit complicated.
The IRS is experiencing backlash from commercial tax preparation companies that profit from tax filing services, which have spent considerable resources lobbying against the Direct File program.