Portland (WGME) -The tax season is officially here, and IRS has developed new tools for many Mainers to make filing tax more free and free.
The “Direct File” program provides eligible taxpayers to submit a federal tax return online without having to pay for third -party software or services.
“No one likes to prepare taxes, but at least you don't have to pay to accomplish it,” said Adam Ruven, Vice President of the Economic and Security Project.
Last year, IRS tested the tool as a pilot program, supporting 140,000 Americans to submit returns, and expanded to half of the state, including the main.
“Most people said they did it within an hour, and three -quarters prefer it than other ways to submit taxes,” Ruben said. “That's why IRS has expanded to more states and made it permanent.”
Mainers, which uses direct files, can complete the federal return online, and then submit states free of charge to the Revenue Services website in the main state.
Ruben says that the program help users to claim tax deductions that can be overlooked in other ways.
“It's a true money in pockets for workers and middle class families,” said Ruben. “According to our survey in the Economic Security Project, if the direct file is completely built within a few years, the taxpayer in the main state is 80 million per year for tax preparation, time savings, and additional tax deduction. You can see that people really thank them when they are hard.
This program is not yet for everyone.
Direct files are designed for simple tax conditions, such as W-2 form employees. Free lancers, gig workers, people who invest in complicated, or work in multiple states need to use other filing methods.
A qualified taxpayer can visit DirectFile.IRS.GOV Check if you are qualified. This program also includes free live chat support for those who need support.
