I tried to use IRS free file a few years ago and when it took me to the state tax portion it began giving me offers for other things (like adverts) and then it timed out and the whole thing didn’t go through so I pay H&R Block online $75 and get it done.
Oh, no! I didn’t qualify so I didn’t use it this year, but I find the exploitation of our tax supported institutions & systems when used for the purposes of selling me stuff to enrich private companies offensive. I suppose the feds would say it helps support the program, but I still don’t like it.
Direct File is the tool created by the IRS and it has no advertising. Free File tools are created by private companies and are a different program.
Thanks for the info! I didn’t qualify for Direct File so I couldn’t use it. Incidentally, the predictions of US govt tax income losses due to DOGE attacks and cuts on IRS is chilling. At this rate Trump is going to bankrupt the U.S. before his term is up…or before he crowns himself king.
Free File (free versions of paid software tools) is not the same thing as Direct File. Direct File will never try to sell you anything.