Overview

• The IRS officially began accepting 2024 federal tax returns on January 27, marking the start of the tax season.
• The IRS Direct File system, initially piloted in 12 states, has expanded to 25 states and is available to an estimated 30 million taxpayers.
• Direct File allows eligible users to file federal returns for free, with features like W-2 import, bilingual support, and live assistance via chat or phone.
• Eligibility for Direct File is determined by income limits and residency in participating states; the system does not support itemized deductions or all income types.
• Taxpayers can file federal returns through Direct File until October 15, 2025, with state filing facilitated through official state tax revenue sites.