Ranking Member Hoyer Statement on the Cancellation of the IRS Direct File Program

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement today after reports that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has cancelled the Direct File program:

"Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Billy Long's announcement that the Direct File program is cancelled echoes the same message that Donald Trump and his Republican allies have been sending to the American people for years: 'you're on your own.' If you're among the 72% of Americans who would like a fast, easy, and free method to file your taxes, you're on your own now that the administration has eliminated Direct File. 

"Direct File worked. Over the past two years, hundreds of thousands of Americans across 25 states participated in the Direct File pilot program to file their taxes for free. In 2024, 90% of those taxpayers rated their experience with Direct File as 'excellent' or 'above average.' During the most recent tax season, that figure increased to 94%. Crucially, on average, Direct File saved participants $160 and hours of time they would have normally spent filing their taxes. 

"That's why I helped lead Democrats' efforts to establish Direct File through the Inflation Reduction Act: to save Americans time and money. The federal government requires Americans to pay their taxes, thus it ought to provide them a free and easy way to do so. That logic is lost on the Trump Administration. He may be telling Americans they're on their own, but I will keep fighting for them by standing up for Direct File and other programs that lower their costs and make their lives easier."