IRS
IRS returns to relying on tax prep companies for free filing options without Direct File
A new report from the tax agency that was requested by congressional Republicans said that dropping Direct File “is in the best interests of American taxpayers and the IRS.”
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Direct File won’t happen in 2026, IRS tells states
The free service that allowed taxpayers to file online directly with the IRS was used by hundreds of thousands of taxpayers in 2024 and 2025, who gave it high marks — although tax prep companies and Republicans have sought its end.
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On Tuesday, the Trump admin said furloughed feds were not guaranteed back pay. On Wednesday, it sent notices saying they were
Just one day after taking a different argument, the Trump administration notes federal law guarantees back pay for employees sent home during a shutdown.
Bisignano to lead IRS in addition to SSA duties, raising questions about the Senate confirmation process
Experts warned that the move could further facilitate the consolidation of Social Security and IRS databases for use in immigration enforcement.
IRS announces the phased end of paper check refunds
The Trump White House set a Sept. 30 deadline for the Treasury Department to stop cutting paper checks, although the IRS said it will still be issuing a “limited number” of checks where there is no alternative option.
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IRS is canceling its layoff plans, will ask some it fired or pushed out to return
After pushing 26,000 employees out, the tax agency is scrambling to find enough personnel to carry out its duties.
The Trump administration is considering notifying probationary employees they were fired for cause, actually
The proposal comes despite a new audit finding 99.5% of the 7,300 fired IRS probationers had received fully successful performance ratings, or no ratings at all.
Trump’s 'big, beautiful bill' directs Treasury to find a replacement for Direct File
The IRS debuted Direct File — which enabled taxpayers to file online with the agency for free — as a pilot in 2024 and it received largely positive reviews from those that used it.
Democrats press Palantir about reported creation of IRS ‘mega-database’
The possible creation of a shareable, governmentwide database of Americans’ personal information would be a “surveillance nightmare,” 10 House and Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to the tech company.
IRS isn’t sufficiently checking the performance of its identity proofing vendor
The identity validation service, ID.me, is the only option for taxpayers looking to access the more sensitive online services offered by the IRS.
Workforce cuts could complicate IRS goal to modernize in the next two years
Agency leaders say they want to complete the “vast majority” of its modernization efforts within the next couple of years.
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Direct File is 'beloved by its users,' internal IRS report says
The IRS is reportedly ending the Direct File, but a report obtained via the Freedom of Information Act says that 94% of users rated their experience as “excellent” or “above average.”
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Republicans want Treasury to study free tax filing options — again
The reconciliation text being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee includes $15 million for the IRS to study how to give Americans free ways to file their taxes that would replace both the Free File and Direct File programs.
IRS reverses staffing gains made under Biden
The tax agency has shed over 20,000 employees through the deferred resignation program, and more significant cuts are still expected.
Some Republicans question Trump’s IRS budget cuts
The administration has proposed a $2.5 billion cut to the tax agency.
IRS to lay off taxpayer experience, DEI staff
It is not clear what will happen next to projects being done by the Taxpayer Experience Office, like making IRS notices to taxpayers more simple.
Top tech leaders to leave IRS
The departures happen even as the tax agency has made controversial decisions to share taxpayer data with the Department of Homeland Security and centralize that data to make it more accessible.
Senate Democrats want details on DOGE and DHS attempts to access IRS data
The IRS reportedly rejected the broad requests for taxpayer information, but the lawmakers worry recent actions have “left the door open for future requests.”
IRS is evaluating its tech investments and modernization
The agency has been trying to update a tax processing system that uses an outdated programming code for over a decade.
IRS expected to fire 6,700 employees beginning Thursday
The terminations will walk back much of the progress IRS, which is in the midst of tax season, has made in recent years to increase its workforce.
