\n
![](\"https:\/\/content.fortune.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/AP24068540204149.jpg?w=2048\")
<\/p>\n [ad_1]
\n<\/p>\n
After weeks of testing, an electronic system for filing returns directly to the IRS<\/a> is now available for taxpayers from 12 selected states.<\/p>\n The new system, called\u00a0Direct File<\/a>, is a\u00a0free online tool<\/a>. Taxpayers in the selected states who have very simple W-2s and claim a standard deduction\u00a0may be eligible<\/a>\u00a0to use it this tax season to file their federal income taxes. The program will also offer a Spanish version, which will be available starting at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The Treasury Department<\/a> estimates that one-third of all federal income tax returns filed could be prepared using\u00a0Direct File<\/a>\u00a0and that 19 million taxpayers may be eligible to use the tool this tax season.<\/p>\n \u201cDirect File will offer millions of Americans a free and simple way to file their taxes, with no expensive and unnecessary filing fees and no upselling, putting hundreds of dollars back in the pocket of working families each year, consistent with President Biden\u2019s pledge to lower costs,\u201d said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.<\/p>\n Certain taxpayers in Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, Arizona, Massachusetts, California and New York can participate. Direct File can only be used to file federal income taxes, taxpayers from states that require filing state taxes will need to do so separately.<\/p>\n The Direct File pilot is part of the agency\u2019s effort to build out a new government service that could replace some taxpayers\u2019 use of commercial tax preparation software, such as TurboTax. It\u2019s meant to be simple and provides a step-by-step walkthrough of easy-to-answer questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nLearn how to take control of your personal finances with Get Your Due, our six-week email bootcamp. Sign up<\/a> for free.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n