“Direct File worked really well, and it's a great example of how the IRS can do technology, or how the government can do technology, effectively,” said former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel.

The Trump administration says the Free File program offered through commercial tax preparation companies is a more effective option.

Direct File, now in its second year, lets some taxpayers electronically file their returns directly with the agency for free. Some are calling for it to be discontinued, saying the price tag may not be worth it.

Some Republicans are pushing to end the IRS free-filing program amid wider cuts to government spending.

The tax prep industry opposes the service.

The new program, called Direct File, has been rolled out in a dozen states. But how does it stack up to private tax-filing software?

Most Americans would likely prioritize social insurance, according to one survey.

Dorothy Brown of Georgetown University has spent her career researching race and the tax code. Now, she advises the Treasury Department.

The Treasury Department found that that third-party vendors were directing users to paid products.

Blame the termination of benefits that came with pandemic emergency measures.