Photo provided to the Times Observer Gov. Josh Shaprio and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced on Tuesday that Pennsylvania is joining the IRS Direct File program. This will allow taxpayers to file their federal return for free.

Pennsylvania has joined a federal program that will allow Pennsylvanians to file their federal tax return for free.

Gov. Josh Shapiro made the announcement in Philadelphia on Tuesday along with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The state will join the IRS Direct File program for the 2025 filing season “ensuring people have access to a free, easy-to-use online tool when they file their federal taxes next year,” according to a statement from the governor’s office.

“Filing your taxes should be free and easy – that’s why we’re improving our digital services and adopting IRS Direct File here in Pennsylvania,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Direct File initiative, Pennsylvanians will be able to save money by filing both their state and federal taxes at no cost on an easy-to-use platform.

“There should be no wrong door to access government services, and the Shapiro Administration will continue to bring human-centered, user-friendly, reliable, and accessible digital services to every Pennsylvanian to help lower costs and break down barriers.”

A survey found that the average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes.

The Inflation Reduction Act required that the IRS study the possibility of an direct e-file system and a pilot program – IRS Direct File – was ruled out for the 2024 filing season.

Information from the governor’s office indicates that the pilot program served over 140,000 Americans across 12 states. Over $90 million in refunds were claimed while taxpayers saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, more than 1.5 million Pennsylvanians will be able to file their taxes online for free, directly with the IRS in Filing Season 2025,” Yellen said. “Direct File will save Pennsylvania taxpayers time and money and help ensure they receive the tax benefits for which they are eligible.

“Direct File is one of the many ways the Biden-Harris Administration is working to lower costs in everyday life, and we are pleased to welcome Pennsylvania as the next state to offer this new free option to taxpayers.”

Taxpayers in Pennsylvania can also file their state return via the myPATH platform.

Warren County residents are also able to file local tax returns through Burkheimer.