DENVER (KDVR) — Direct File, a program that electronically files taxes directly to the Internal Revenue Service, will be available for Coloradans starting in 2025.
Direct File is similar to other tax filing programs, except it’s free and doesn’t cost extra fees to file your taxes. It started as a pilot program earlier this year in 12 states where taxpayers with simple returns tried out the program and the IRS said it found success.
The IRS decided to make this tax filing option permanent in 2025, and on Tuesday, Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Revenue announced that Coloradans can be a part of this.
Eligible Coloradans can file their federal tax returns directly with the IRS starting for tax year 2025 and state returns in 2026. By 2026, Coloradans can complete and submit their federal and state returns at the same time.
“Filing taxes is no fun. It is often confusing, time-consuming, and expensive, which is why we’re taking steps to make it easier for Coloradans to file. I am thrilled that starting in 2025, Coloradans can ditch the filing fees and file their own returns directly with the federal government,” said Polis in a press release.
The Economic Security Project found that using Direct File will save Coloradans an estimated $140.2 million in filing fees, 3.5 million hours of time filing and connect Coloradans with between $81 to $207 million in additional credits per year.
