[Alupis]

I don't believe you actually are aware of what you are talking about. There is no government option currently, except manually filling out forms.

Furthermore, it is naïve to believe the government will provide better service and/or usability than a private organization who's entire existence and purpose is to make submitting tax returns easy.

[aesh2Xa1]

Unless they edited, they're talking about Direct File and not Free File. The former IS a software provided by the government.

https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/a-closer-look-at-the-irs-direc...

[Alupis]

> Unless they edited

Yes, they have edited their comment since my response.

Even still, Direct File is a joke. Available in only 12 states, and excludes anyone with business income, "gig economy" income, itemization, retirement/savings credit, and childcare credits.

It also does not cover state filing either... so you get to experience the joy of doing your taxes twice.

It simply does not compare with FreeTaxUSA, or even paid offerings.

https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/strategic-plan/direct-file

[semiquaver]

It’s a pilot. Nothing big can change except via incremental steps.

[Alupis]

It's the federal tax return - limiting it to 12 states makes zero sense...

[piperswe]

IRS Direct File is tax filing software created by the IRS - by the government. That is the government option.

[khuey]

> There is no government option currently

There's the IRS Direct File pilot that is being talked about ...