The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has decided to discontinue its free Direct File program for the 2026 tax filing season. The program, which allowed taxpayers to file their taxes directly with the IRS online at no cost, will not be available next year, according to an email sent by the IRS to participating states on Monday (November 3). The decision comes amid criticism from Republican lawmakers and commercial tax preparation companies.

Direct File was initially launched as a pilot program in 2024 during President Joe Biden 's administration, with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. The program aimed to make tax filing easier and more affordable for taxpayers. Despite receiving positive feedback from users, including a 90% satisfaction rate in surveys, the program faced opposit

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