Statement from Code for America CEO Amanda Renteria on The Direct File Act of 2026

“Every year, millions of Americans leave money on the table—not because they don’t need it, but because filing taxes is too complicated, too expensive, and too confusing. That’s not a technology problem. It’s a choice. And it’s one we can fix.

At Code for America, we believe in a tax filing system that is accessible, free, and easy to use—so that everyone who’s eligible actually receives the benefits they’ve earned. At a time when every dollar matters, Americans deserve better than being forced to pay for the privilege of paying their taxes.

That’s why Code for America supports The Direct File Act of 2026 (S. 3948), introduced with backing from more than 150 lawmakers. This legislation would codify Direct File—the IRS’s free, online public tax-filing service—into permanent law. It is a common-sense, good-government measure, and we urge lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get it done.

The results speak for themselves. Direct File was more accurate than any other self-prep software, accepting more returns on the first attempt. It was fast—most filers completed their return in under an hour. And it was trusted: users gave it some of the highest satisfaction ratings of any government service in recent memory. Direct File didn’t just work. It proved that government can do this work.

That matters right now. Trust in public institutions is at a historic low. One of the most powerful ways to rebuild it is to show people that government can deliver—simply, reliably, and without asking them to jump through hoops. Direct File did exactly that for millions of Americans. We cannot afford to let that progress disappear.

Code for America will keep fighting alongside our partners to ensure that every tax filer can access the benefits they’re owed. Free, simple, public tax filing isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a promise we should be able to keep to every American.”