New Yorkers Join Empire State Voices, Economic Security Project for a Demonstration of the New IRS Direct File Pilot
Thanks to Funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, New Yorkers Can Now File Their Taxes Directly with the IRS for Free!
NEW YORK — Yesterday, Empire State Voices and Economic Security Project hosted New Yorkers across the state for a virtual presentation on the new IRS Direct File pilot. IRS Representative Bridget Roberts, who leads the Direct File Service team, gave an in-depth demonstration of the new filing tool, took questions from attendees, and elaborated on the goals of this exciting new program.
IRS Representative Bridget Roberts, who leads the Direct File Service team, gave an in-depth demonstration of the new filing tool. | Credit: ESV
Late last year, the IRS announced that it would launch a free tax filing pilot in 13 states, including New York. The new tool—which is now available to use—is a free alternative to paid services offered by companies like Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block, making it easier and cheaper for working families to file their taxes. The program is part of a larger effort to modernize and improve the agency’s operations, made possible by funding received from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
“For decades, private companies have lobbied Congress to prevent the IRS from offering a free direct filing service, turning something as simple as tax preparation into a multi-billion-dollar industry. That’s just unacceptable,” said Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Empire State Voices. “Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and the IRS’ new Direct File tool, we’re taking the first steps towards making our tax system a little bit more equitable for working people.”
"New Yorkers spend an average of 9 hours and $150 each year on tax filing, but this year, families can save that time and money if they use the IRS Direct File tool,” said Kelli Smith, Campaigns Research Director at Economic Security Project. “Our analysis shows IRS Direct File has the potential to deliver $1.13 billion in total value to New Yorkers between filing fees, the time it takes to file, and boosting refunds by increasing the uptake of the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. With tax day right around the corner, we encourage all New Yorkers to see if they are eligible to file for free at directfile.irs.gov.”
To learn more about the campaign, please reach out to press@empirestatevoices.org
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About Empire State Voices
Empire State Voices (ESV) is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. ESV is fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same.
