Senator Carper Applauds IRS Decision to Invite All 50 States to Partner in Permanent Expansion of Direct File Program

Today, Senator Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decision to invite all 50 states to partner in a permanent expansion of Direct File, a program that allows low- and moderate-income Americans to file returns digitally and free of charge.

“Today’s announcement from the IRS to permanently expand the Direct File program is a monumental step towards simplifying the tax filing process for Americans across the country. Taxpayers deserve the option to file directly with the IRS through this simple, free, and easy-to-use tool, and after the pilot program’s success during the 2024 tax filing season, I’m thrilled that the IRS has committed to bringing Direct File to all states that want to participate, including Delaware.

“Throughout my years in the Senate I have worked to simplify the tax-filing process for folks across the country, and I was proud to support the Inflation Reduction Act to make the Direct File program and today’s expansion possible. I applaud IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel for his hard work to ensure these funds were used to benefit millions of American taxpayers, and I have no doubt that the Direct File program will have a meaningful impact for years to come.”

This announcement follows Senator Carper’s longstanding work to make the tax filing system more equitable and accessible for American taxpayers. Earlier this month, he led a letter with Senator Warren (D-Mass.) to IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen celebrating the success of the Direct File pilot and calling for the IRS to make the program permanent. Senator Carper also led two additional letters this Congress, highlighting the need for the IRS to simplify the tax filing process and expand access to free e-filing options.

Direct File initially launched in 12 states across the country through a pilot program during the 2024 tax filing season. The funding that Senator Carper helped to secure in the Inflation Reduction Act made numerous IRS modernization efforts, including the launch of Direct File, possible.

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