MD-2025-02, Feb. 11, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Maryland that they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using .
The web-based service, available in English and Spanish, offers guided help for preparing and filing a federal tax return from a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Direct ob体育 does not replace existing filing options like tax professionals, IRS Free ob体育, free return preparation sites, commercial software or authorized e-file providers.
IRS customer service representatives staffing the Direct ob体育 support function can provide technical support and provide basic clarification of tax law related to the scope of Direct ob体育. Questions related to issues other than Direct ob体育 will be routed to other IRS customer support, as appropriate.
Although the deadline to file a 2024 tax return and pay any tax owed is April 15, 2025, Direct ob体育 will be open until Oct. 15, 2025, for people who may need additional time to file.
Enhancements for the 2025 filing season
For the 2025 filing season, Direct ob体育 includes new features that make filing taxes quicker and easier.
- Import W-2 wages and other tax information directly from the IRS with step-by-step guidance
- Chat bot helps guide taxpayers through the eligibility checker
- Live chat feature is available in English and Spanish
- Opt-in option allows authenticated and verified taxpayers to access additional customer support or
- Request a callback from an IRS Direct ob体育 customer support representative.
Eligibility
Income. IRS Direct ob体育 is available for taxpayers who lived and worked in Maryland for all of 2024, file simple federal tax returns and report the following types of income:
- W-2 wage income
- SSA-1099 Social Security income
- 1099-G unemployment compensation
- 1099-INT interest income
- 1099-R retirement income
Direct ob体育 is not available to taxpayers with other types of income, such as gig economy, rental or business income, or for taxpayers that itemize deductions. Taxpayers can and see if Direct ob体育 is a good fit. For those not eligible, they have alternative filing options.
Credits. IRS Direct ob体育 will automatically identify and apply the following tax credits for eligible taxpayers:
- Earned Income Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents
- Child and Dependent Care Credit
- Premium Tax Credit
- Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
- Retirement Savings Contributions Credit
In addition to covering taxpayers claiming the standard deduction and deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses, Direct ob体育 supports taxpayers claiming deductions for Health Savings Account contributions.
Direct ob体育 won’t prepare Maryland state tax returns. Once taxpayers have completed their federal tax return, Direct ob体育 automatically guides them to Maryland services to complete their state taxes. Visit the state websites to find information about income tax filing in each state.
Free filing options for all taxpayers
- IRS Free ob体育 provides a free online alternative to file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software to any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024.
- People who make over $84,000 can use the IRS' Free ob体育 Fillable Forms. These are the electronic version of IRS paper forms. This product is best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes.
- People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
- The Department of Defense provides as a free tax resource for the military community. MilTax is a suite of tax services available for members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. There are no income limits. can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.
Additional resources
Taxpayers may also use online resources at IRS.gov to quickly get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. There’s no wait time or appointment needed. Online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day, including the IRS’ Interactive Tax Assistant tool and Let us help you resources. Taxpayers considering using Direct ob体育 are encouraged to subscribe to the Direct ob体育 newsletter.