IRS Cancels Free Tax Filing Program, Ending a Promising Experiment

Breaking News: IRS Direct File Program Canceled, Free Tax Filing Ends The Trump administration has officially canceled the IRS Direct File program, a tool designed to provide free, direct tax filing for taxpayers. The program, which was introduced as a pilot in 2024, will be unavailable in 2026, according to notifications sent to multiple states this week. The cancellation of Direct File comes after it became a target of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year. The program allowed taxpayers to file their annual tax returns directly with the IRS, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing the risk of errors. The IRS notified states of the program's cancellation on November 5, 2025, sparking concerns about the impact on low-income and vulnerable populations who rely on free tax filing services. Taxpayers who used Direct File in previous years will need to explore alternative options for filing their 2026 tax returns. Background context: The IRS Direct File program was launched in 2024 as a pilot initiative to simplify the tax filing process and reduce costs. While the program was still in its experimental phase, it showed promise in reducing errors and increasing efficiency. The cancellation of Direct File raises questions about the future of free tax filing services in the US. As the IRS continues to navigate the complexities of tax reform, taxpayers can expect changes to the tax filing process in the coming years.