On Tax Day, Warren Puts Direct File Bill on Senate Floor, Forces Republicans on Record on Free, Easy Tax Filing Program

Skip to primary navigation Skip to content × Close Mobile Nav About About Elizabeth Committee Assignments About Massachusetts Voting Record Contact Share Your Opinion Help with a Federal Agency Office Locations Send me Updates Share Your CFPB Story Save Our Schools Services Help with a Federal Agency Return to Repayment Guide Visiting DC/Tours Flag Request Internships Meeting Requests Academy Nominations Special Recognitions Grants Small Businesses Veterans, Servicemembers and Military Families FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act Requests FY 2027 Appropriations Requests Oversight Reports Letters Social Security War Room Save Our Schools Campaign Legislation Newsroom News Coverage Press Releases Op-Eds Videos × Close Site Search search Elizabeth Warren Senator Elizabeth Warren's Facebook Page (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's BlueSky (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Twitter (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Youtube (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Instagram (This link opens in new window or tab.) About About Elizabeth Committee Assignments About Massachusetts Voting Record Contact Share Your Opinion Help with a Federal Agency Office Locations Send me Updates Share Your CFPB Story Save Our Schools Services Help with a Federal Agency Return to Repayment Guide Visiting DC/Tours Flag Request Internships Meeting Requests Academy Nominations Special Recognitions Grants Small Businesses Veterans, Servicemembers and Military Families FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act Requests FY 2027 Appropriations Requests Oversight Reports Letters Social Security War Room Save Our Schools Campaign Legislation Newsroom News Coverage Press Releases Op-Eds Videos Español Close Search Open Search Popup Popup Search Close Search Popup MENU Senator Elizabeth Warren's Facebook Page (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's BlueSky (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Twitter (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Youtube (This link opens in new window or tab.) Senator Elizabeth Warren's Instagram (This link opens in new window or tab.) Home Newsroom Press Releases April 15, 2026 On Tax Day, Warren Puts Direct File Bill on Senate Floor, Forces Republicans on Record on Free, Easy Tax Filing Program “Filing your taxes should be easy and free…Let’s save people time and money, and show the American people that government can work for them” “[T]o Republicans defending the status quo, ask yourselves why you’re on the side of TurboTax and H&R Block instead of your constituents” Video of Remarks (YouTube) Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, took to the Senate floor to seek unanimous consent to pass the Direct File Act . The bill would reverse the Trump administration’s decision to end the highly successful Direct File program—which allowed Americans to file their taxes online, for free, and directly with the government—and make the program permanent. “Filing your taxes should be easy and free…Let’s save people time and money, and show the American people that government can work for them,” said Senator Warren . Republican Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, objected to Senator Warren’s request, blocking passage of the bill. “You've got to make a decision. Whose side are you on? The Democrats are on the side of saving money for American taxpayers. The Republicans are on the side of two big tax prep companies because they get paid to be on their side. So we may not get this one through today, but we'll keep coming back,” Senator Warren said in response to his objection . In 2024, the IRS launched Direct File to save families time and money. 94% of users described their experience as “excellent” or “above average,” and more than 70% of taxpayers said they would use Direct File if they were eligible. Direct File was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and tax credits once fully implemented. “It’s amazing that anyone could oppose this – especially when filing your taxes is something that Americans are required by law to do each year,” said Senator Warren . Despite Direct File’s success, the Trump Administration ended the program after extensive lobbying efforts by tax prep companies. “This is all about money and power. It’s about letting big corporations donate to politicians and then politicians letting those companies rip off American families,” said Senator Warren , noting that companies like Intuit, which owns TurboTax, donated millions to President Trump and Republicans. Over 160 members of Congress and over 100 unions and advocacy groups support the Direct File Act. “[T]o Republicans defending the status quo, ask yourselves why you’re on the side of TurboTax and H&R Block instead of