July 18, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

IRS Unveils Direct File System for Free Tax Filing in 2024 – A Game-Changer for Taxpayers

Online Tool, Direct File, to Offer Real-Time Support and Step-by-Step Guidance 

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to introduce its innovative free tax filing system, Direct File, in 2024, as reported by KTLA. The pilot program will debut during the upcoming tax season and will be available to taxpayers in several states, including California.

Direct File, an online tool, promises users step-by-step guidance and real-time support. However, eligibility for the initial phase will not be universal. In a phased rollout, the IRS will initially extend access to Direct File for government employees in 11 states. The first wave of the pilot program will consider eligibility based on the complexity of the federal tax return; those with itemized deductions, additional gig or business income, and certain tax credits may not qualify.

Depending on the success of the initial phase, the IRS aims to expand access to private sector employees in the 12 participating states by March, according to a spokesperson for Nexstar.

Developed in-house by a team of tax experts, product managers, software engineers, designers, and data scientists, the free filing service Direct File sets itself apart from the Free File tool by lacking an income ceiling. 

The IRS emphasizes that Direct File is an additional option designed to simplify the tax filing process. Importantly, its introduction does not mandate its use, and it does not replace existing filing options.

For many taxpayers frustrated with the fees charged by tax filing services, Direct File could offer a welcome alternative. This development comes on the heels of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruling against TurboTax, a popular tax software company, for misleading customers with its “Free Edition” product. The FTC found that most taxpayers did not meet the return qualifications, rendering them ineligible for TurboTax’s free filing service.

in News
Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Nearly $1B Secured for Refinancing of Westfield Century City Mall

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The proceeds will replace a $925 million commercial mortgage-backed securities loan, originally issued by Morgan Stanley in 2023 and due...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays...

Tesla Seen Nearly Crashing into West LA Home After Collision

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

Footage depicted a blue Prius on the road with significant front-end damage A crash involving injuries was reported around 12:30...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

Hundreds of Red-Legged Frog Tadpoles Released in Santa Monica Mountains

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

Once widespread in California, red-legged frogs vanished from the Santa Monica Mountains by the 1970s Nearly 600 California red-legged frog...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

Westwood Village Board to Discuss Public Art Initiative

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The initiative aims to enhance community pride, boost local business revenue, and address urban blight through public art corridors and...

Beverly Hills Plans Major Apartment Development Near Civic Center

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The site, currently holding 13 residential units, is slated for demolition to make way for the new development A proposal...

Federal Judge Sides with Santa Monica, Other Local Governments Against Immigration Raids

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete praised the ruling, saying it reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting residents from unjust detention...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...