Nineteen Million Taxpayers Qualify for IRS's Free Online Filing Program
IRS's Free Online Filing Program Overview
Nineteen million Americans are now eligible to file their taxes using the IRS's new free online program, representing approximately 12% of individually filed tax returns in 2022. This latest initiative allows taxpayers across 12 states to file directly with the IRS, a significant development in tax preparation.
Preference for Online Filing
Americans increasingly favor online tax filing, with 93.5% of individual returns completed online in 2022. The introduction of the free online filing option poses a challenge to the tax prep industry, which has historically opposed such initiatives.
Legislative Impact and Controversy
The direct file program was established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act but has faced budget cuts and political opposition. Despite its potential benefits for taxpayers, the program's future remains uncertain amid ongoing debates in Congress.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.