The IRS launched a free online tax filing system. Find out here if it’s available in your state

NEW YORK — After weeks of testing, an electronic system for filing returns directly to the IRS is now available to taxpayers from 12 selected states. “And you can’t beat the price — its free.” AP AUDIO: The IRS launches Direct File, a pilot program for free online tax filing available in 12 states. “Direct File will offer millions of Americans a free and simple way to file their taxes, with no expensive and unnecessary filing fees and no upselling, putting hundreds of dollars back in the pocket of working families each year, consistent with President Biden’s pledge to lower costs,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard. Derrick Plummer, a spokesman for Intuit, said in an email that Direct File “is not free tax preparation but a thinly veiled scheme that will cost billions of taxpayer dollars to pay for something already completely free of charge today.” “This scheme will cost billions of taxpayer dollars and will be unnecessarily used to pay for something already completely free of charge today,” Plummer said. When asked whether the Direct File program will likely be built out and available in the 2025 filing season, Werfel said: “I don’t want to prematurely reach a conclusion,” he said, but positive reports from users “have been encouraging.” ___ Hussein reported from Washington, D.C. ___ The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy.