Tennessee taxpayers can file free through IRS Direct File program

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee is one of 12 states that is available to use the pilot program called Direct File. It is an additional option for taxpayers to file freely and securely to the IRS.

Stacy Engle, with IRS Media Relations, provided more information.

“You go to irs.gov, click the link on Direct File,” Engle said. “If you don’t already have an account, then you would create an account, and it would take you directly to the IRS Direct File platform, where you would answer questions very similar to some of the software that you would pay for.”

Only certain people are able to use this pilot program. Engle tells us what specific situations will qualify.

“All Tennessee residents that can file a basic federal tax return, meaning that they have their normal income, would be a W2 income or wages from an employer, social security income, unemployment, or interest under $1,500.”

There are credits that this is limited to. Earned income tax credits, child tax credit, and credit for other dependents. If you qualify for any credits outside of these, Engle says this may not be the best option for you to use. She also tells us what the benefit is of this program, if you are able to use it.

“With the Direct File, there is no third party sharing, because you are literally sharing your information strictly with the Internal Revenue Service,” Engle said. “So there isn’t another platform that is actually going to see any of your information.”

Along with a computer, Engle tells us we can use this service and file on our phones.

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