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IRS Direct File officially launches, offers free tax filing in Washington

By Daniel Miller, Associated Press and Jim Jensen
Published  March 12, 2024 11:22am PDT
Washington
FOX 13 Seattle

IRS: Tax returns are higher this year

Some Americans are already seeing higher tax returns this year. The IRS reports the average return as of February 16 is more than $3,000.

The IRS has officially launched its electronic system for filing tax returns, now available in 12 states, including Washington.

Direct File is a new free online tool. Taxpayers in the selected states who have very simple W-2s and claim a standard deduction may be eligible to use it this tax season to file their federal income taxes.

photo of 1040 U.S. tax form

A U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 1040 Individual Income Tax form is on display. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Certain taxpayers in Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, Massachusetts, California and New York can use Direct File.

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But it can only be used to file federal income taxes. Taxpayers from states that require filing state taxes will need to do so separately.

This new service is designed to be convenient and offer step-by-step guidance on simple questions. 

The IRS started Direct File to create a new government service to possibly replace some taxpayers' use of commercial tax preparation software, like TurboTax. 

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Citing the Treasury Department, the Associated Press notes that roughly one-third of all federal income tax returns filed could be prepared using Direct File and that 19 million taxpayers may be eligible to use the tool this tax season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.