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Welcome to Logoff: The Trump administration killed a short-lived IRS program designed to file tax returns quickly and for free.
What happened? The fate of IRS Direct File, which was introduced as a pilot program in 2024, has been in question since earlier this year, when it became a target of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. Now, we’ve confirmed it’s no more, after the IRS notified multiple states this week that the program will be unavailable in 2026.
What did the direct file do? It’s exactly what it says on the label: It allows taxpayers to file their annual tax returns directly with the agency, cutting out third-party tax prep companies with a profit motive. During the two tax seasons it was available, the program grew in users and functionality, and it was Ready to expand further.
What is the context? Tax preparation is generally not free or quick; On average, according to the IRS, it costs taxpayers about $160 and eight hours of their time each year. And private tax prep is big business, generating billions of dollars for companies like Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block. Direct File, had it survived, would have alleviated both of these burdens.
Why does this matter? In a vacuum, Direct File loss may not seem catastrophic. It is a small, new program, used by Just shy of 300,000 Americans Last tax season.
Symbolically, though, it matters: the program was, by all reports, intuitive, popular, and easy to use. Most importantly, it was free. The administration’s decision to ax it removes the possibility that the government could make the almost universally dreaded annual task a little easier and more elegant.
And with that, it’s time to log off…
I thought so This is the New York Times storyHow Zohran Mamdani’s winning mayoral campaign doubled as a social engine for young New Yorkers, getting them out of their homes and into their communities, was quite uplifting (as always, Here’s a giveaway link)
Sticking with the NYC theme, I also recommend This video A very cute dog in a sweater. (Its subject, Simon, is going to be the “dog mayor” of New York City — A real, if respectable, title!) Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!
