why the IRS killed a free, easy way to file your taxes
From kill switch by Kaleidoscope
April 8, 2026 · 30 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the shutdown of Direct File, a free tax filing service, and its implications.
Direct File promised a free and easy way for Americans to file their taxes, but after two successful tax seasons, it was shut down. Dexter talks with Merici Vinton, who helped build Direct File, about the project's development, why it was an example of a good government program, and how lobbying from private tax companies and DOGE’s involvement ultimately led to its downfall. Could Direct File make a comeback, or has the opportunity for free tax filing already passed? Hit us up: killswitch@kaleidoscope.nyc , or @killswitchpod and @dexdigi on IG or Bluesky. Links: Merici’s Direct File story: https://fas.org/publication/end-of-irs-direct-file/ kill switch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@killswitch_pod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Dexter
Guest: Merici Vinton
Topics covered
- tax filing
- government programs
- lobbying
- IRS
- Direct File
- tax season
- free services
Keywords
- taxes
- IRS
- Direct File
- lobbying
- government programs
- free tax filing
- Merici Vinton
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: IRS, Direct File, DOGE, Kaleidoscope
Books & works: Direct File story
Places: New York City
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