In a move that seems revolutionary, but really isn’t, the IRS is set to launch a trial of its own free tax-filing system.

The Internal Revenue Service – the IRS – aims to redefine the filing experience for residents in 12 states. However, this bold move is not without its naysayers, as commercial tax-preparation companies brace against the winds of change.

A Tax Revolution?

The IRS, known for its less than cuddly demeanor, is unveiling a surprising twist to tax-filing. Residents in a dozen US states are about to become part of a grand experiment, a direct filing system where federal tax returns are submitted online to the IRS, and the best part? It's free. “This is a critical step forward for this innovative effort that will test the feasibility of providing taxpayers a new option to file their returns for free directly with the I.R.S.,” Danny Werfel, the agency’s commissioner, said in a recent statement.

This comes at a time when the IRS is embracing change. From recruiting a new hoard of auditors, to employing AI in the fight against fraud, the agency seems to be stepping into the present, if not entirely embracing the future. For a federal agency, it seems impressive.

Nearly 1 million Arizonans, mostly from working families, could be eligible to file their taxes online and for free with the IRS.

Here's what you need to know about the IRS Direct File pilot program, coming this year to Arizona and 11 other states: https://t.co/GuZh2frpw9

— Groundwork Action (@GroundworkAct) January 2, 2024

Resistance from Some Sectors

However, a dissenting chorus rises from commercial tax-preparation companies. Intuit, the brains behind tax software TurboTax, labels the direct filing project as a "half-baked solution" and a misuse of taxpayer money. In the IRS vs. commercial tax-prep company duel, battle lines are drawn, and the skirmish for taxpayer allegiance commences.

Who’s In and What's at Stake?

The direct file pilot will open its doors to low- and moderate-income taxpayers with uncomplicated returns. Eligibility hinges on taking the standard deduction, limited income, and no gig work. Despite initial resistance, the IRS anticipates "several hundred thousand taxpayers" to join the limited pilot. A clash of old and new, where tradition meets innovation, according to reporting from the NYT.

Aiming for a Simple System

Participants can expect a mobile-friendly service, available in both English and Spanish. With live online chat and customer service representatives at their disposal, taxpayers can navigate the intricacies of filing with ease. The IRS plans to promote this option through grassroots efforts and community partners.

Piloting the Future: Small Steps, Big Impacts

According to the IRS, the initial offering will gradually expand and they’re opening it to a select few taxpayers initially. With an eye on perfection, the IRS plans to scale up its direct filing system as the season progresses. The organization assures taxpayers that other free filing options remain open, but the allure of a streamlined, IRS-guided process may just redefine the future of tax filing.

These are times of change at the IRS, but they need to be. The use of AI, the recruitment of new, ambitious auditors and the new online filing system are all designed to help plug a massive tax gap of $192 billion.