Making Tax Filing Simple and Free with Direct File

Every year, millions of Americans spend time and money just to file their taxes, often paying private companies to help them complete forms the government already provides. For low- and middle-income families, these costs can mean missed refunds, unclaimed credits, and unnecessary stress.

To change that, New America’s New Practice Lab partnered with the federal government to study whether it was feasible for the Internal Revenue Service to offer a free, easy-to-use filing system.

Working closely with taxpayers, researchers, and public officials, the team conducted extensive interviews, analyzed data, and reviewed best practices. Their findings helped shape a federal feasibility study and showed that a government-run filing system could be safe, effective, and user-centered.

In 2024, a pilot program allowed eligible taxpayers in 12 states to file directly with the IRS at no cost. While implementation has been complicated by leadership shifts in federal agencies, millions of Americans are now on track to benefit as the program expands nationwide—saving money, reducing complexity, and making tax season fairer.