New Jersey Rolls Out IRS Direct File for 2025 Tax Season

NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey taxpayers can now access IRS Direct File for the 2025 filing season. The user-friendly tool allows residents to file both federal and state returns online at no cost.

“Direct File is a huge improvement in the way that residents file their taxes, saving them time and tax filing fees,” said New Jersey Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “This resource will make a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans, empowering them to file their taxes themselves, and leading to money saved."

Who Is Eligible?

• Must have lived in New Jersey for all of 2024
• Earned all 2024 income in New Jersey
• Plan to use the same filing status for both federal and state returns

To confirm eligibility, visit DirectFile.IRS.gov.

Key Features

• Free & Secure: Direct File eliminates filing fees and uses strict security protocols.
• Bilingual: Available in English and Spanish.
• Multi-Device Support: Works on mobile devices, tablets, and personal computers.
• Live Chat: Dedicated support to answer questions as taxpayers complete their returns.

This initiative follows Governor Murphy’s earlier announcement of New Jersey’s participation in the federal pilot program. It stems from a partnership among the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Innovation, and Code for America, enabling residents to file state taxes simultaneously with their federal returns through an interactive, plain-language interface.

“IRS Direct File will ease the strenuous tax filing process and give New Jerseyans an opportunity to save hundreds of dollars this tax season,” said Governor Murphy. “This is a free, convenient online tool for residents to file directly with the government in a secure way they can trust. I commend the Department of Treasury and the Office of Innovation for their partnership in developing this program.”

In its initial pilot across 12 states, the IRS Direct File program helped:

• 140,000 taxpayers claim $90 million in refunds
• Save filers an estimated $5.6 million in fees

“New Jerseyans now have a free and accessible website to confidently and securely file their tax returns," said Dave Cole, New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer. “We worked with residents and tax experts to design this step-by-step form. Eligible residents who use this tool will be automatically enrolled in money-saving tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. We thank our partners at the New Jersey Division of Taxation, Code for America, the United States Digital Service, and the Internal Revenue Service for their dedication and hard work in delivering this new service.”

This year, the IRS extended the program to additional states, paving the way for New Jersey to become a participant. With over one million New Jerseyans potentially qualifying, officials expect Direct File to reduce both time and costs for taxpayers significantly.

Please visit DirectFile.IRS.gov or consult the New Jersey Department of the Treasury for updates and more information.

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