More Than 700,000 Marylanders Eligible to Use Free Tax Filing Tool Next Year
The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that Maryland will be the latest state to participate in the IRS Direct File program for the 2025 tax season. This initiative, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax filing and reduce costs for Maryland residents, ensuring they receive all available benefits and deductions.
Expanding Access to Free Tax Filing
Following a successful pilot program implemented in 12 states, IRS Direct File will now become a permanent offering, with Maryland joining the ranks of states like Oregon, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This program, which saw over 140,000 taxpayers claim more than $90 million in refunds and save an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs, is expected to benefit more than 700,000 Marylanders next year.
A Step Towards a Modernized Tax System
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman noted that the state’s participation in Direct File aligns with broader goals of modernizing government services. “Partnering with the IRS to offer Direct File to eligible Maryland taxpayers in the 2025 tax season is an exciting opportunity and fundamental to our core priority of modernizing our agency to make government work better for all Marylanders,” said Comptroller Lierman.
With additional initiatives like the Maryland Tax Connect system on the horizon, Maryland aims to offer the nation’s most transparent, efficient, and modern tax filing system.
Background on the Direct File Pilot Program
The IRS introduced the Direct File pilot program in 2024 as part of the Treasury Department’s initiative to provide modern, top-tier customer service. Available to taxpayers with simple tax situations across 12 states, the program delivered substantial savings and high satisfaction rates. Building on this success, the Treasury Department and IRS intend to expand Direct File’s reach and capabilities, maintaining it as a free, secure, and user-friendly option for taxpayers nationwide.
Visit the US Department of the Treasury for more information.
