Q&A of the Week March 20, 2024

Question

Who is eligible for Direct File for their 2023 income tax return?

Answer

Direct File is a free tax filing program from the IRS. A pilot program was launched in 12 states:

• Arizona

• California

• Florida

• Massachusetts

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• New York

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Washington

• Wyoming

This year, Direct File is only open to those who have simple tax returns. For example, taxpayers who have a W-2 and take the standard deduction may be eligible. You can check your eligibility here: https://directfile.irs.gov/state. Learn more about Direct File here: https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/strategic-plan/irs-direct-file-pilot. 

IRS Free File is another free tax filing program from the IRS that qualified taxpayers in other states may select. IRS Free File is for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income in 2023 was $79,000 or less. Learn more here: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free