Rep. Sykes Introduces Bill to Preserve and Expand Direct File Tax Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced the Get Your Money Back Act, which would preserve and expand the Direct File tax filing program at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and make it mandatory to join. In April, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and then Acting-IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause made the decision to eliminate the Direct File program, which would end this free, easy-to-use, and popular program.
“For many, the tax filing season can be time consuming, expensive, and confusing, even though most taxpayers have relatively simple returns, which is why the Direct File program was both effective and popular,” said Rep. Sykes. “Unfortunately, even before the Treasury Secretary ended the program, Ohioans weren’t able to take advantage of this program because our state’s government never opted in. My legislation would implement this successful program nationwide, improving everyone’s experience with tax season.”
Specifically, the Get Your Money Back Act would fully reinstate the Direct File program while requiring states to opt-in to the service, ensuring all Americans can get more out of their tax return with access to a free, easy to use service, no matter where they live. In the 2024 tax season, the Direct File program helped approximately 140,000 taxpayers claim more than $90 million in refunds and save an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees.
In April, Rep. Sykes signed on to a letter urging Sec. Bessent and Commissioner Krause to preserve and expand Direct File for next year’s tax filing season and beyond. The IRS developed the Direct File platform with help from the White House’s U.S. Digital Service, the (GSA) General Services Administration’s 18F team and private-sector partners. Direct file launched in 2024 tax season in a dozen pilot States and over 140,000 filers used the Direct File platform in the first year.