As the 2024 tax season commences, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is introducing new initiatives to facilitate easier filing for taxpayers. Through the provision of additional funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has launched Free File, Direct File, and expanded in-person services at Taxpayer Assistance Centers.

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel expressed confidence in the agency's ongoing transformation efforts, stating that the new funding will be utilized to improve the tax preparation and filing process for taxpayers. Werfel emphasized the dedication of IRS employees in using the funding to enhance taxpayer assistance.

Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less can take advantage of Free File, which offers access to IRS-partnered tax software for free filing. As an alternative, all taxpayers can opt for Free File Fillable Forms, although this option provides less guidance.

The Direct File option, currently under a phased rollout plan for the 2024 season, enables qualified individuals to file their federal tax returns for free with step-by-step guidance. Initially limited to a small number of taxpayers, the program is expected to be more widely available by mid-March. Starting from the beginning of filing season, taxpayers in 12 participating states, namely Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington state, and Wyoming, can reap the benefits of this pilot initiative.

Thanks to the additional funds provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has expanded its in-person services. Approximately 50 Taxpayer Assistance Centers have been opened or reopened, offering extended hours throughout the 2024 filing season to better assist taxpayers.

For a seamless and convenient filing experience, the IRS advises taxpayers to choose electronic filing with direct deposit. However, regardless of the filing method selected, taxpayers are urged to wait until they have received all their income-related documents before submitting their returns.

The IRS anticipates receiving nearly 129 million individual tax returns during this filing season. While taxpayers residing in Maine and Massachusetts have until April 17 to file, the majority of returns must be submitted by the April 15, 2024, tax deadline.

These new services introduced by the IRS seek to streamline the tax filing process, providing eligible taxpayers with free file options and improved in-person assistance. With the implementation of these initiatives, the IRS aims to enhance its operations and make filing taxes a smoother experience for everyone.