Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur Applauds Permanent Adoption of IRS Direct File Program

Toledo, OH – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, senior Member of the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, applauded the announcement from the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that the Direct File program will be permanently available to taxpayers and expanded to include all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This decision follows the success of the Direct File pilot program, which demonstrated the government’s ability to deliver a free, public e-filing service that saves taxpayers time, money, and hassle. This expansion of Direct File means that Ohio taxpayers across the Buckeye State will now have access to this free and easy to use program for tax year 2024 and the years to follow.

Earlier this month, Representative Kaptur joined 138 bipartisan lawmakers in signing a bicameral letter urging the IRS and Treasury to expand the Direct File program.

"The Direct File pilot program has proven that the government can provide a free and user-friendly tax filing service that meets the needs of American taxpayers," said Congresswoman Kaptur, senior member of the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus. "With taxpayers claiming over $90 Million in refunds and saving $5.6 Million in estimated filing fees, this program is a game-changer. I supported the expansion of Direct File and will continue to advocate for its improvement and implementation nationwide. I am glad that Ohio taxpayers will benefit from this free and easy to use program across the Buckeye State this year, and in the years to come."

During the 2024 tax filing season, over 140,000 taxpayers across 12 pilot states used Direct File, with 90 percent of surveyed users rating their experience positively. The program’s success underscores the importance of providing taxpayers with accessible and efficient services.

For residents of Northwest Ohio, the permanent adoption of the Direct File program will bring significant benefits, including cost savings on filing fees that often range from $50 to $400, particularly aiding low and middle-income families. The program's ability to simplify the filing process has already helped taxpayers claim over $90 Million in refunds, and its broader implementation is expected to increase accessibility to refunds and tax credits. This initiative will boost the local economy by translating the estimated $11 Billion in annual savings for Americans into increased spending power for Northwest Ohio residents, benefiting local businesses. Additionally, Direct File will deliver up to $12 Billion annually in unclaimed tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), providing substantial support to low-income families and improving living standards. The program's success has also enhanced trust in the IRS, with 86 percent of users reporting increased confidence, and its streamlined, user-friendly process will benefit small business owners, self-employed individuals, and elderly residents who find traditional tax filing complex and burdensome.

The IRS plans to expand Direct File's functionality, integrate it with more states, and offer more flexible identity verification procedures, with a focus on supporting low and middle-income families. Future enhancements will include using taxpayer provided data to pre-populate forms, further streamlining the filing process.

# # #