The Internal Revenue Service launched a pilot program last year that allows people to file their taxes directly with the federal government for free. This project is known as Direct File and has since expanded to 25 states.

The IRS’ free tax-preparation program remains a free option for taxpayers this year, but the fate of a group of government technologists that helped develop it is less certain.

Free File allows taxpayers who earned below certain thresholds in 2024 to file their taxes electronically for free using brand-name software provided by commercial tax filing companies. Free File Fillable forms are available to any income level and provide free electronic forms that people fill out and file themselves — also at no cost.