IRS Tax Tip 2025-16, March 11, 2025
Eligible taxpayers can file their 2024 federal tax return online for free, directly with the IRS using .
The online service is available 24/7 to taxpayers in 25 participating states who report certain types of income, deductions and credits. Taxpayers just need to answer a few questions to find out if
Direct obÌåÓý is easy to use and taxpayers can:
- obÌåÓý a 2024 federal tax return ¨C always for free ¨C in English or Spanish.
- Import data from their IRS account, including their personal information, their IP PIN and some information from their W-2, if it¡¯s available.
- Add their tax information with step-by-step guidance.
- Live chat with IRS Direct obÌåÓý customer support in English and Spanish.
- Prepare and file from smartphones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers.
Eligibility
Taxpayers who lived and worked in one of the 25 participating states for all of 2024 can use Direct obÌåÓý if they report:
- W-2 wage income
- SSA-1099 Social Security income
- 1099-G unemployment compensation
- 1099-INT interest income
- 1099-MISC for Alaska residents reporting the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend
- 1099-R retirement income
- Contributions to and most distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, like a 401(k), pension, annuity, 403(b), or governmental 457(b)
- Direct rollovers from one employer-sponsored retirement plan to another, or to an IR
Claiming common credits
Direct obÌåÓý is an option for eligible taxpayers to claim certain credits and deductions and file an accurate return.
Eligible taxpayers can use Direct obÌåÓý to claim the following credits:
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Credit for Other Dependents
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Premium Tax Credit
- Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
- Retirement Savings Contributions Credit
Direct obÌåÓý is not an option for taxpayers who itemize deductions or claim other credits and deductions. If IRS Direct obÌåÓý isn't an option, there are alternative filing options, including other free options.
Direct obÌåÓý doesn't prepare state tax returns
If a taxpayer needs to file a state tax return, Direct obÌåÓý will guide them to a free state-supported preparation and filing tool after they finish their federal tax return. Taxpayers can find state income tax filing information on their state website.