Direct File Act of 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
The Direct File Act of 2026 aims to establish a government-run online tax preparation and filing program, accessible to taxpayers nationwide. It prohibits agreements that would restrict the government's ability to offer these services and voids existing agreements that do. The program would be user-friendly, available in multiple languages, and integrated with the IRS, potentially expanding to include state tax returns. It also modifies rules regarding information returns to ensure timely filing.
Key provisions
- Establishes a government-run online tax preparation and filing program.
- Prohibits agreements restricting the IRS's ability to provide tax services.
- Requires the program to be owned by the Federal Government and use IRS data.
- Sets a goal of making the program available to 50% of taxpayers in participating states by 2028.
- Allows participating states to integrate state tax filing with the federal program.
- Prohibits fees for using the online program.
- Modifies rules for filing information returns, including deadlines for written statements and electronically filed returns.
- Authorizes appropriations through 2035 to support the program.
Who is affected
- Taxpayers
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- State tax agencies (participating states)
- The Federal Government
Notable changes
Bill text
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Sponsors
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41 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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