The IRS issued its report detailing results of its Direct File pilot program, noting that many users had positive experiences with the tool.
The reportcomes as the agency is set to make a decision on the future of the government-run electronic filing program. This tax filing season was the first time some taxpayers used the tool, created with money set aside from the Democrats’ 2022 tax-and-climate law.
The Government Accountability Office said in an April report that its office and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found the IRS had no documentation to support its analysis of the cost of its Direct File tool and didn’t include start-up costs, which could be substantial.
The tax-prep industry and Republicans in Congress oppose the program, saying it’s unnecessary and a conflict of interest for the IRS to run.
- A survey of more than 15,000 users found that 90% viewed their experience as excellent or above average, according to the report.
- The IRS said 140,803 taxpayers used the Direct File option to file their taxes this season, exceeding the agency’s goal of 100,000 users.
—With assistance from Erin Slowey.
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