Maryland Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman today released the following statement on reports that the Trump Administration may discontinue the IRS Direct File program after the 2025 filing season:
“This week, Maryland concluded the 2025 tax season, the first tax season allowing Marylanders to use the free, secure tax filing system Direct File. Over 90% of the thousands of Marylanders who used Direct File indicated they preferred it to previous options and would recommend it to friends and family, demonstrating the program’s important role in lowering costs and easing the burden of filing tax returns.
Direct File’s success proves that Americans want choices in filing their taxes and that there is no need, other than corporate profits, for Americans to spend significant amounts of money and time to file basic tax returns. Canceling Direct File would be a costly mistake and would be a disservice to the eligible low and middle-income individuals and families who used it. Without Direct File, they are again targets for fraud, scams, and steeper costs to file tax returns.
Direct File is a simple, secure way for taxpayers to file their tax returns online, directly with their state and the IRS. Direct File promised and delivered on modernizing tax administration and reducing red tape, making the tax filing process more accessible and less intimidating for filers. When asked how we could improve upon Direct File, one Maryland taxpayer shared that, in their opinion, “you cannot improve on perfection.”
I urge the Trump Administration to prioritize the needs and well-being of all Americans and preserve Direct File for future tax seasons.”