For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – Wisconsin is set to join the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s Direct File Program for next year’s tax filing season.
Governor Tony Evers and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), along with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), this week announced that starting in 2025, Wisconsinites will be able to file both their state and federal taxes online.
A release from Evers’ office said that, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the average taxpayer spends approximately 13 hours and $270.00 to prepare their taxes each year.
“Direct File simplifies that process saving taxpayers time and eliminating the burden of cost,” the release stated.
The Direct File program was made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022.
Launched as a pilot program in a dozen states in 2024, Direct File users claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees, according to the release.
“The platform’s success and positive feedback encouraged the IRS to move forward with a rollout nationwide for the 2025 tax filing season,” the release stated.
After completing their federal returns in Direct File, Wisconsin taxpayers will be taken to WisTax to complete their state taxes quickly and easily for free.
“WisTax offers a modern web-based experience that is intuitive and easy to use, as well as mobile-friendly,” the release said. “This free platform was created to simplify the tax filing process and eliminate the burden of cost. Should taxpayers encounter problems while filing, a knowledgeable DOR customer service representative will be available to answer questions and help troubleshoot the issue. By filing directly with WisTax, taxpayers have an opportunity to share feedback that will help the agency strengthen its program in future years.”
“Thanks to the efforts of our federal partners like Senator Baldwin and the Biden-Harris Administration, next year, Wisconsin taxpayers will be able to file their taxes securely, easily and for free directly with the IRS with no surprise fees through the new Direct File Program,” Evers stated. “This is going to save hardworking folks time and money, and we look forward to seeing how the Direct File and new WisTax programs will work together to better serve Wisconsinites when tax season comes around in 2025.”
The release said Baldwin has been a “staunch advocate for launching Wisconsin’s Direct File Program to give taxpayers a no cost filing option for their federal taxes.”
“Filing your taxes should be easy and free, but right now the system is rigged to line the pockets of giant third-party tax-prep companies, and Wisconsinites are left wasting hours and hundreds of dollars each year,” Baldwin said. “I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to put money back into the pockets of hardworking families, not pad the profits of these big third-party companies that charge exorbitant junk fees. I’m thrilled to be working with Governor Evers so Wisconsinites can save time and money by filing their taxes directly with the IRS.”
“We are excited about both WisTax and the Direct File program because they provide an improved customer experience for Wisconsin taxpayers that is free, accurate and user friendly,” said DOR Secretary David Casey.
Eligible taxpayers can file using a smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop computer.
For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit www.directfile.irs.govandwww.revenue.wi.gov.