PHILADELPHIA, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and state leaders, announced yesterday that Pennsylvania will adopt the IRS Direct File program for the 2025 tax season. This initiative allows residents to file their federal taxes online for free, aiming to simplify the tax filing process.
“Filing your taxes should be free and easy,” said Governor Shapiro. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Direct File initiative, Pennsylvanians will save money by filing both their state and federal taxes at no cost on an easy-to-use platform.”
The Direct File program will integrate with myPATH, Pennsylvania’s current tool for filing state income taxes. This will enable residents to file both state and federal taxes seamlessly. The move follows a successful pilot in 12 states, where 140,000 taxpayers claimed over $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in filing fees.
“Direct File will save Pennsylvania taxpayers time and money,” said Secretary Yellen. “It’s part of our broader effort to lower costs and make government services more accessible.”
Direct File aims to eliminate the need for third-party tax filing services, which often charge fees. The program is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that taxpayers can easily and securely file their returns.
Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne expressed enthusiasm for the program, noting its potential to reduce stress and financial burdens for many taxpayers. “We’re excited to partner with the U.S. Treasury and the IRS to bring Direct File to Pennsylvania,” he said.
Qualifying taxpayers will first complete their federal tax returns using the Direct File tool. Subsequently, they will be directed to myPATH to file their state returns. Information such as W-2s and demographic data will automatically transfer to the state return, streamlining the process.
The Treasury Department plans to expand the Direct File program’s reach in the coming years, making it available to working and middle-class taxpayers nationwide. The initiative is part of the IRS’s Strategic Operation Plan to ensure taxpayers receive eligible tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.
Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) also applauded the expansion, highlighting the financial benefits for Pennsylvanians. “Direct File is a game-changing program that enables Americans to do their taxes easily, securely, and affordably,” he said. “I fought to expand Direct File to our state to put more dollars back in Pennsylvanians’ pockets.”
The IRS will continue to refine and improve the Direct File system, ensuring it remains free, secure, and easy to use. With the inclusion of Pennsylvania, the program is poised to make tax season more manageable for millions of Americans.
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