Ensuring the American taxpayer’s rights, and strengthening our nation’s voluntary tax compliance system.

IRS Direct File is costly and duplicative

The IRS's Direct File "pilot" will confuse and frustrate taxpayers, while giving too much power to the IRS.

Direct File would require hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer funds annually.
Tens of millions of taxpayers are already eligible to use free tax preparation through long-standing agreements with commercial tax providers.
Taxpayers must get through seven screens before they even learn if they're eligible for Direct File.
The IRS is not equipped to provide the same level of customer service as private companies.
The IRS has a clear conflict-of-interest when it comes to determining how much taxpayers owe.

Sen. Barasso and 18 Other Senators Send IRS Letter Critiquing Direct File Program

Nineteen senators criticized the IRS Direct File Program in a letter sent to the agency’s commissioner, Daniel Werfel, on July 31. The letter raises serious concerns about the legal authorization for Direct File, as well flaws with the implementation of the program. They wrote: “Serious legal questions exist about the IRS Direct File launch. Many…

Partnerships

The American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights (ACTR) was formed in 2011 by the nation’s leading retail tax preparation and tax software companies and financial institutions, which collectively prepare and file more than 120 million of the 160 million federal tax returns annually. ACTR advocates for taxpayer rights and strengthens America’s voluntary tax compliance system.

Tax Preparers

Ensuring the American taxpayer’s rights, and strengthening our nation’s voluntary tax compliance system.

IRS Direct File is costly and duplicative

Sen. Barasso and 18 Other Senators Send IRS Letter Critiquing Direct File Program

Partnerships

Tax Preparers

Financial Institutions