WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), U.S. Representatives Steny Hoyer (D-N.Y.), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), and over 130 members of Congress in writing to Treasury Secretary-Designate Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) Commissioner-Designate Billy Long, urging them to maintain and expand the IRS’ Direct File program. The letter is signed by 25 senators and 115 members of Congress.

“This program is efficient and effective, providing a vital service for millions of Americans, while also keeping their data safe from misuse,” wrote the lawmakers. “Congress does not need to pass legislation to continue this progress. If confirmed, we urge you to maintain and expand it.”

In 2024, the Direct File pilot tool helped thousands of taxpayers file their taxes, accurately and securely, online for free with the IRS. Used by more than 140,000 taxpayers, nearly 90 percent of surveyed filers said Direct File increased their trust in the IRS and nearly 90 percent had “above average” or “excellent” experiences with the program. The pilot was so successful that, when the IRS announced it would make Direct File a permanent program, 13 additional states elected to offer this option to their taxpayers.

In July of 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and IRSannounced that New Jersey would be joining IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025.

“Taxpayers’ embrace of Direct File is indicative of their interest in a free, easy, private, and secure method of filing,” wrote the lawmakers. “We disagree with our colleagues who are calling on the President to pull the plug, harming taxpayers and undermining the work that two dozen state governments in red and blue states have done to support taxpayers for the upcoming 2025 tax filing season.”

Direct File was created to save taxpayers time and money. Right now, Americans spend $160 and eight hours on average to file their taxes, often losing a chunk of their refund to do so. Giving taxpayers the option to file for free through the Direct File program has saved filers approximately $5.6 million in federal tax preparation fees in just its pilot year and is projected to save filers $11 billion a year at scale.

The over 130 members of Congress urge the nominees to work with them to maintain and expand the IRS program if confirmed. Read the full letter here.

Senator Kim works to lower everyday costs for American families as a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Kim also sits on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP); Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; and the Special Committee on Aging. Learn more about Senator Kim’s service on behalf of New Jersey here.

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