IRS Direct File won't be available next year. Here's what that means for taxpayers
IRS Direct File won't be available next year. Here's what that means for taxpayers
The Trump administration has decided not to offer the IRS’ electronic tax filing system for free next year, and its future is unclear
Read the full article on ABC US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article contains a significant factual error regarding the availability of IRS Direct File. It incorrectly states that the Trump administration decided not to offer the system for free next year. The article exhibits moderate bias by framing the situation in a potentially misleading way.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: The Trump administration has decided not to offer the IRS' electronic tax filing system for free next year.
- Verification Source #3: Direct File is mentioned in Publication 501 (2024).
- Verification Source #5: Publication 17 (2024) states that Direct File was added for the 2024 tax year.
- Verification Source #1: IRS Free File lets taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software.
- Assessment: Contradicted. The IRS Direct File system was available for the 2024 tax year. The claim incorrectly attributes a decision to the Trump administration, which was not in power during the relevant period for the 2024 tax year. The IRS Free File program has existed for many years.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Publication 17 (2024), Your Federal Income Tax | Internal Revenue ...: Direct File added for the 2024 tax year.