IRS Direct File experience ??

[test123]

I have a separate thread open about the idea of shifting from using a tax prep person or software to going DIY:

viewtopic.php?t=448173

In the course of looking at options, I was reminded of IRS Direct File.

It looks I’m eligible (simple forms of income, filing status, state participation, etc)

I’m curious if other have used it and what their experience have been.

Thx

[envinv]

I'm considering using IRS Free File or IRS Direct File this year for the first time because I have to file a Schedule D and that takes me out of the free filing options from the big online tax preparers. I could pay for an upgraded tax prep service, but I decided to challenge myself and do it on my own instead.

My 1099-B isn't ready yet, so I've only experimented with the IRS forms and filing options so far and haven't gone through with it yet, but it seems straightforward enough if you're the type of person that can wrap your brain around income and tax related info.

Sorry I don't have an actual experience based recommendation to share, but I'm also curious to hear what others have to say about their experiences.

[Makefile]

Just looked at the eligibility questionnaire; it isn't applicable to much of the "investor class" here for several reasons:

• No credit for social security overpayment across multiple jobs

• No net investment income tax

• No IRA contributions (frontdoor Roth would probably be ok, though)

• No IRA withdrawals

• No itemized deductions

• No foreign tax credit

1099-DIV is neither on the list of allowed nor forbidden types of income. If you can't report dividends, that's huge.

And it also requires ID.me.

I am a 1116 filer so I imagine it will remain irrelevant to me through the rest of this decade at least.

[techbud]

Just looked at the eligibility questionnaire; it isn't applicable to much of the "investor class" here for several reasons:

• No credit for social security overpayment across multiple jobs

• No net investment income tax

• No IRA contributions (frontdoor Roth would probably be ok, though)

• No IRA withdrawals

• No itemized deductions

• No foreign tax credit

1099-DIV is neither on the list of allowed nor forbidden types of income. If you can't report dividends, that's huge.

And it also requires ID.me.

I am a 1116 filer so I imagine it will remain irrelevant to me through the rest of this decade at least.

Actually, on this page it says 1099-R income is ok: https://www.irs.gov/filing/irs-direct-file-for-free
But as you said, no 1099-DIV, and certainly no support for 1099-B (cap gains).

[angelescrest]

I am disappointed I can’t use Direct File this year after its expansion to my state. I would gladly ditch Intuit.

[Marylander1]

Give them time. As long as the administration and congress allow the program to continue expanding, I expect it will handle more forms, situations, and states each year.

[montanagirl]

I just now filed and got accepted with Fillable Forms. It's a lot of work as the schedules don't carry to the 1040. But I had done the whole thing in Freetaxusa already so I just copied it over.

I was surprised how many forms are supported. Everything I needed

It was rejected once too due to my error but the reject messaging is much better than Freetaxusa and there is a link for translation and suggested fixes.

They don't do my state so I will be mailing that.

[Badinvestor]

I've used Fillable Forms for a while (but this year not yet -- Vanguard doesn't have my 1099 yet). Fillable Forms works well. I would imagine that Direct File is good if you qualify, but I don't this year.

[grok87]

i can report a really positive experience with IRS Direct File. Quick and easy.
I wish it supported 1099-Div though.
cheers,
grok