Direct File Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Direct File Act of 2026 establishes a program allowing taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns directly with the IRS online, without using third-party tax preparation software. It prohibits agreements that would restrict the government's ability to provide these services and voids existing agreements that do. The program will prioritize user-friendliness, accessibility, and integration with existing IRS data, and aims to expand eligibility to 50% of taxpayers in participating states by 2028, with a grant program to support state tax return filing integration.
Key provisions
- Prohibits agreements restricting the IRS from providing direct tax preparation and filing services.
- Establishes an online tax preparation and filing program owned by the Federal Government.
- Requires the program to be user-friendly, accessible, and utilize IRS data.
- Sets a goal of making the program available to 50% of taxpayers in participating states by 2028.
- Provides a grant program to participating states for integrating state tax return filing functionality.
- Prohibits fees for using the online tax preparation and filing program.
- Allows taxpayers to file state and local income tax returns alongside their federal returns.
- Requires the IRS to report annually on program usage and taxpayer satisfaction.
Who is affected
- Taxpayers
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- State and Local Tax Agencies
Bill text
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Sponsors
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