Senator Carper Statement on IRS Direct File Pilot Program Launch

This new free tax filing tool comes after months of Senator Carper calling on the IRS to launch this pilot program

U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement on the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcement of its 2024 pilot of Direct File, a program that will allow low- and moderate-income Americans to file tax returns digitally and free of charge.

“For far too long, American taxpayers have been left without a simple, easy, and free tool to file their taxes through the IRS. Today’s announcement from the IRS is a major step towards dramatically improving the taxpayer experience and making the process of filing income taxes more efficient for everyone. The Direct File pilot program is proof that when we invest in our agencies, the American people will benefit. I’m proud to have helped secure funding for the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act to make this program possible. I want to thank IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel for his work to make this program a reality.”

This announcement follows Senator Carper’s ongoing work to make the tax filing system more equitable and accessible for American taxpayers. Senator Carper has led two letters this year, emphasizing the need for the IRS to simplify the tax filing process and expand access to free e-filing options. In June, he also co-sponsored the bipartisan Refund Equality Act.  

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