There’s a new way to file your taxes for free in Massachusetts and 11 other states this year if you meet the eligibility requirements.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is piloting a new Direct File program that will allow people meeting the requirements file for free directly with the IRS in English or Spanish.
The program allows users to add their tax information with step-by-step guidance, connect with online support from IRS customer service representatives.
There is a catch, however, which may actually be good news for tax procrastinators: The program is not yet available to the public. The IRS expects to release the program to the public in mid March.
Tax filers can check their eligibility for the program at this link. Participation in the program is limited to 12 states:
- Arizona
- California
- Florida
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Eligibility is limited through a number of categories. Filers must take the standard deduction, only receive certain types of income — mainly W-2 wage income, social security income, unemployment and limited interest income — and only claim certain credits. Full eligibility requirements can be found here.
While the program is not available widely yet, and isn’t expected to be until mid-March, the IRS is opening it up briefly for certain windows. While the IRS isn’t publicizing when these windows will take place, filers can keep up to date by checking back at this link.
As of February, there were 1,200 taxpayers who have already participated in the program, according to the IRS.
