IRS cancels Direct File for 2026 season
The IRS has canceled its Direct File free online tax-filing system for the 2026 season and, per an IRS email from Cynthia Noe, there is no relaunch date set; the program had been piloted in 12 states and was slated to expand to 12 more before the cancellation. Treasury Secretary/IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent said the private sector can do a better job and that Direct File “wasn't used very much.” The 2026 filing season will still include higher standard deductions under OBBBA: $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly, with brackets adjusted for inflation.
📌 Key Facts
- The IRS will not offer Direct File for the 2026 tax filing season.
- An IRS official email from Cynthia Noe explicitly states Direct File will not be available in Filing Season 2026 and that no relaunch date has been set.
- Direct File had been piloted in 12 states and was slated to expand to 12 additional states before the program was canceled.
- Treasury/IRS official Scott Bessent said the private sector can do a better job and that Direct File "wasn't used very much."
- The reporting (FOX 9 Minneapolis–St. Paul) on this change was dated November 11, 2025.
- Under the OBBBA adjustments for 2026, the standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly, with tax brackets adjusted for inflation.
📰 Sources (2)
2026 tax filing season changes: IRS Direct File unavailable
New information:
- Lists the 12 original pilot states and the additional 12 states slated for expansion before cancellation.
- Cites an IRS official email (Cynthia Noe) explicitly stating Direct File will not be available in Filing Season 2026 and no relaunch date is set.
- Quotes Treasury Secretary/IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent saying the private sector can do a better job and that Direct File 'wasn't used very much.'
- Adds 2026 standard deduction figures under OBBBA: $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married filing jointly, with brackets adjusted for inflation.