It's officially tax season, and filers in half of U.S. states now have access to a new, direct free filing system from the Internal Revenue Service that can in many cases take the place of private tax prep software that costs the average taxpayer $270 each year.
Taxpayers living and working in 25 states can use the IRS's Direct File option, which lets them file online directly with the IRS for free. The program guides filers through some basic questions, and also points them to their state returns. It is available in English and Spanish.
