Some taxpayers will soon qualify for Direct File, a free tax-filing platform from the IRS. Here's what taxpayers can expect this season.
  • Some taxpayers will soon qualify for Direct File, a free tax-filing option from the IRS.
  • The pilot will begin as an invitation-only service before rolling out to certain taxpayers in 12 states by mid-March.
  • In 2023, individual U.S. taxpayers spent an average of $150 to prepare and file returns, according to the IRS.

Eligible states will include Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

…

Who qualifies for IRS Direct File

Residents of eligible states with a simple, straightforward return can qualify. The pilot will start with limited types of income, credits and deductions, IRS officials said.

While only certain taxpayers can use Direct File, the bilingual software includes built-in live chat support with IRS assistors.

The pilot will only accept Form W-2 wages, Social Security retirement income, unemployment earnings and interest of $1,500 or less. This means the pilot won’t include anyone with gig economy work or business income.

You must claim the standard deduction to use the Direct File pilot and the system only accepts a few credits — the earned income tax credit, child tax credit and credit for other dependents. The software also accepts tax breaks for student loan interest and educator expenses.

    • helenslunch@feddit.nl
      1·
      10 months ago

      I just said I don’t know how they do it so I can’t comment on it. I can only comment on the American tax system as an American taxpayer.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
        2·
        10 months ago

        Yes, I know, you suggested that it couldn’t be done in the U.S. but your only answer as to why it can’t be done in the in the U.S. when it can be done in other countries is “I don’t know how it works there,” which is a cop-out. Your ignorance of how it works in other countries doesn’t mean it can’t work in the U.S.

        • helenslunch@feddit.nl
          1·
          10 months ago

          you suggested that it couldn’t be done in the U.S.

          Nope, you’re just making shit up again.

          • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
            1·
            10 months ago

            You: “A bill for what? How do they know what to bill you for if you don’t tell them where and how you made and spent your money?”

            Me: Here is a link to show you how other countries do it.

            You: “I just said I don’t know how they do it so I can’t comment on it. I can only comment on the American tax system as an American taxpayer.”

            If that is not implying that it can’t be done in the U.S., what did you mean? You apparently didn’t even bother to look at the link to find out how it could be done.

            • helenslunch@feddit.nl
              1·
              10 months ago

              Sorry I missed your link. The US already has that system. It’s listed under “Similar systems” in your link. That’s why you have “tax refunds”, because they typically overestimate what you owe and then give you the difference back in the following year. The only time you have to declare your income is when you are self-employed. It sounds like you are not very familiar with the US tax system.

              Have you ever looked at your paycheck? It’s usually the default unless you choose to opt out of it.

              But that’s only for income and not the other information I previously listed.

              You’re obviously conflating “I don’t know how they do it” with “it can’t be done”.