The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taken a comprehensive step by inviting all taxpayers to provide real feedback about their experiences with free federal tax filing solutions. This survey is key to a Congressional report mandated by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, creating the base for enhanced and more equitable tax preparation access in the United States.
Why Is the IRS Requesting Feedback Now?
In the United States the tax preparation industry has a monopolized set of paid services, well-known brand partnerships, and a token free option. The IRS aims to decrease the friction of tax compliance in hopes of making effective, no-cost tools available to everyone who can benefit from them. With the recent legislation, Congress has made the taxpayer’s input fundamental to the design of future public policies and services.
How to Participate in the Survey
Taxpayers can contribute their feedback securely and quickly by visiting IRS.gov or the dedicated Free Online Tax Preparation Feedback Survey. Feedback is being accepted until September 5, 2025. This allows them to share their experiences and ideas so that the Congressional report is representative of a broad range of American experiences.
One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act: Driving Reform
Congress has directed the IRS and the Department of Treasury to generate a detailed report, due October 2, 2025, covering:
- The ease of use of the free tax filing software that’s currently available.
- Awareness, usage, and satisfaction across different demographic groups
- Problems and challenges faced like technical issues, confusion over eligibility, or unavailability of outreach
- Suggestions to improve the system, enhancing eligibility, and improving marketing
Your feedback will directly influence which solutions and reforms are prioritized in the official report and, by extension, what options become available in future tax seasons.
Current Free Tax Filing Options for 2025
Americans have more opportunities to file federal taxes at no cost. Below are some of the major programs, eligibility details, strengths, and drawbacks for each.
IRS Direct File
Direct File is the new innovation center of the IRS: a web-based, zero-filing-cost solution available now in 25 states. It is designed to work on any device and to support various income types and credits, guiding users through the return preparation process step-by-step. It also features chat for real-time help. Additionally, Direct File enables users to log in using IRS-issued credentials and retrieve information from IRS files, making the process even easier.
- Once users finish their federal returns, they are effortlessly directed to their states’ supported e-filing services.
- Issues noted and piloted recently have been addressed in the form of enhancements to eligibility, ease of use, and accuracy.
- Bots and staff chat support and a variety of verification methods ensure that the system is well-secured.
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a public-private partnership where third-party tax preparer companies provide well-known software to taxpayers earning $84,000 or less in 2024 (for 2025 filings).
- Users can select from top providers (like TaxSlayer, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, and others) through the IRS portal.
- Each partner offers unique income, age, and state restrictions.
- Eligibility checkers on IRS.gov help users find the best free offer for their situation; users must always start from the official site to qualify for the zero-cost version.
IRS Free Fillable Forms are also an option for anyone, regardless of income. These are electronic versions of paper forms, perfect for those who are comfortable preparing taxes without any help or software support.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) & Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
VITA offers in-person, IRS-trained tax help for filers earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, non-native English speakers, and those requiring extra support. TCE is designed for taxpayers aged 60 and above.
- Certified volunteers help with complex credits, benefit calculations, and e-filing.
- Services are provided in community centers, libraries, and some college campuses.
Specialized Options
- MilTax: Department of Defense-supported free software and filing for all military members and many veterans, including up to three state returns with no income cap.
- State Free File Programs: Few states partner with the IRS or maintain their own free e-filing platforms for residents, sometimes integrating directly with IRS systems for smooth federal and state compliance.
Common Barriers and Areas Under Review
Both past and current surveys continuously show certain common challenges:
- Misunderstanding of income and state qualification for provider programs
- Problems with the technology or lack of support for inaccurate filings (such as self-employment or multi-state income)
- Issues with language, basic computer knowledge, or paperwork
- Uneven availability of services or technology in the countryside and stricken communities
IRS and Treasury aim to identify and address these issues in their upcoming Congressional report so that reforms have an immediate and measurable impact.
How Survey Data Will Shape Future Tax Filing Policy
Survey findings will be summarised into summary statistics and key insights, guiding both immediate remedial actions (like improved education and outreach) and long-term innovations. More inclusive languages, broader eligibility, enhanced mobile experiences, and expanded state integration are among the expected policy recommendations emerging directly from user feedback.
How to Make Your Feedback Count
- Complete the survey as thoroughly as you can. Describe in detail your positive experiences and the specific friction points that you encountered.
- Suggest solutions like integrating particular credits, broadening partnerships at the state level, simplifying the site’s navigation, or increasing the availability of live assistance.
- Invite others to take part as well, especially from the underserved communities, so that changes reflect authentic experiences from a wide spectrum of people.
Pros & Cons of Each Free Filing Option
Below are the positive and negative effects of free filing:
|
Program |
Pros |
Cons |
|
IRS Direct File |
Modern interface, live support, data import, security |
Not available in every state, supports limited filing types (expanding) |
|
IRS Free File (Guided) |
Multiple providers, easy AGI checking, covers most common taxes/credits |
Income/age/state restrictions; state filing may not always be free |
|
Free Fillable Forms |
Available to everyone, no income limit |
No guidance, not recommended for complex or unfamiliar returns |
|
VITA/TCE |
Personalized help, community-based, supports disabilities/complex situations |
Site availability, limited appointment slots, focus on eligible filers |
|
MilTax |
Dedicated to military/veteran needs, covers state and federal |
Restricted to military/veteran eligibility |
Helpful Links
- IRS Interest Rates for Q4 2025: What Taxpayers Need to Know
- IRS Chaos: Resignations and Layoffs Shake Tax Season 2025
- IRS Targets Crypto: New 2025 Rules for DeFi and NFTs
Your feedback will be essential in the creation of more effective, inclusive, and safe filing solutions for American taxpayers as tax legislation and technology change. Responding to this survey gives you the chance to assist in the transformation that may make tax compliance easier for millions of people in the future. The last date for submission is September 5, 2025, so make sure to take this opportunity to contribute towards the improvement of the tax filing system.
Contact The Fino Partners today to stay informed of all the current IRS updates.
