Direct File allows some taxpayers to file their returns online directly with the IRS for no cost and is available to about half the country.

Missouri is not among the states where a free, easy tax filing method is available, and some elected officials are fighting to keep it that way.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects more than 140 million Americans to file their taxes ahead of the April 15th deadline. The IRS says it is expanding its direct file program for 2025, which is now available to taxpayers in 25 states.

IRS Direct File launched last year as a way to file your taxes with the federal tax agency — for free. At the time, there were only 12 participating pilot states. This tax season, twenty-five states will participate, though the IRS invited all states and the District of Columbia to join in.

Direct File is an online program offered by the IRS that allows you to file your tax return directly to the agency for free. It launched as a pilot program in 2024 across 12 states as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022.

Gov. Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to consider using the Direct File program in New York State to ease the burden of filing taxes. According to a press release, the joint project with

Direct File is a web-based service that works on mobile phones, laptops, tablets or desktop computers. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions to prepare their federal tax return step-by-step. Direct File is open now to eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free.