John,

For years, tax filing corporations like TurboTax and H&R Block have successfully blocked the IRS from implementing a free, easy-to-use, online tax filing program—forcing taxpayers to instead use paid options that cost, on average, $250 each year.[1][2]

But now, thanks to your advocacy, the IRS is rolling out a brand new Direct File pilot program, which will allow millions of taxpayers to file their federal and state tax returns at the same time, using free online software provided by the IRS.

This pilot program will launch next month in 12 states. If it’s successful, it will likely be adopted even more broadly in next year’s tax filing season.

But, Republicans and their buddies at TurboTax and H&R Block haven’t stopped trying to kill Direct File before it’s launched. They’re trying to attach a “rider” to must-pass government funding legislation that would ban the IRS from implementing Direct File.

Write to your members of Congress right now and demand they reject the Republican attack on the IRS and the new Direct File system.

In addition to making filing your taxes free and easy, Direct File would ensure that more working people are able to claim the important income supports they’re entitled to, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). These tax credits help millions of families stretch their budgets and live better lives. But right now, one in five people currently eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) fails to claim it.[3]

Easier access to these credits will help narrow our nation’s racial income and wealth gaps since the CTC and EITC disproportionately benefit Black and Latino families.[4]

Click here to take action today and defend the IRS’s new Direct File system from right-wing attacks.

Together, we’re fighting for a tax system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.

Maura Quint
Campaign Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund

[1] Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans from Filing Their Taxes for Free
[2] 1040 (AND 1040-SR) INSTRUCTIONS
[3] EITC Awareness Day: Important changes mean more people qualify for credit that helps millions of Americans
[4] Disparities in the Benefits of Tax Expenditures by Race and Ethnicity

-- David's email --

John,

Republicans are continuing their relentless attacks on the IRS.

Already, Republicans secured a $20 billion cut from the restored IRS funding we fought for and won in 2022. The U.S. Treasury Department just released a new report showing that this $20 billion cut will let wealthy and corporate tax cheats off the hook to the tune of $100 billion in taxes they owe.[1]

But that’s not all!

In an attempt to pad the pockets of corporate tax preparers such as TurboTax and H&R Block, Republicans want to add a provision to must-pass government funding bills that would ban the IRS from implementing its new, free Direct File tax filing system.

In just a few weeks, the IRS is expected to roll out its Direct File pilot program in which millions of taxpayers from 12 states will be able to file online at the same time their state and federal income taxes for free. This means they won’t be reliant on predatory tax preparers who have, for years, hidden free tax-filing options from their customers.

This Republican “rider” to ban Direct File is just another handout to greedy corporations that have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to keep tax filing difficult and expensive for everyday taxpayers.

Write to your Senators and Representative today and demand they reject the GOP rider that would ban the new IRS Direct File system.

If the pilot program is successful in the initial 12 states of the rollout, it will likely be adopted even more broadly in next year’s tax-filing season. That means millions of taxpayers will be able to save time and money filing their taxes each year instead of enriching corporate tax preparers. But, Republicans―doing the bidding of TurboTax and H&R Block―want to kill Direct File, forcing taxpayers to keep relying on high-priced tax-filing services.

Click here to send a message to your members of Congress and tell them to reject attacks on the new IRS Direct File system. Filing our taxes should be free and easy!

Thank you for taking action today,

David Kass
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund