IRS Direct File

This page contains information about the Internal Revenue Service Direct File Program. This information was last updated January 24, 2025.  For the most up-to-date information, to learn more about Direct File, to set up an account, or to check your eligibility, visit directfile.irs.gov.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program is a new filing option that eligible taxpayers in Maine can use to file their federal individual income taxes online directly with the IRS, for free.

After you complete your federal return through Direct File, you will be directed to Maine’s free filing tool, the Maine Tax Portal. Your information will not be transferred automatically. 

Direct File may be a good option if you:

  • Lived in Maine for all of 2024
  • Earned all of your income in Maine in 2024
  • Plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns

Generally, people with relatively straightforward taxes who don’t itemize are eligible. You cannot use Direct File if you itemize deductions or if you lived or earned money in multiple states.

Direct File can accommodate the following:

  • Income Types
    • Wage income (W-2)
    • Social Security Income (SSA-1099)
    • Unemployment Compensation (1099-G)
    • Interest Income (1099-INT)
    • Retirement Income (excluding IRAs) (1099-R)
  • Credits
    • Earned Income Tax Credit
    • Child Tax Credit
    • Credit for Other Dependents
    • Child and Dependent Care Credit
    • Premium Tax Credit
    • Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver’s Credit)
    • Credit for the Elderly and Disabled
  • Deductions
    • Standard Deduction only
    • Student Loan Interest
    • Educator Expenses
    • Health Savings Account Contributions

The Direct File Process is easy:

  1. Head to directfile.irs.gov to check your eligibility and see if Direct File is a good fit for you. (If you’re not eligible, Direct File will connect you to alternative filing options.)
     
  2. Sign-in to Direct File securely using your email and a secure password to verify your identity. The IRS lets you access most tax tools with one account using the same login and password. If you already have an IRS online account, you can use it for Direct File. If not, you’ll need to create an account to verify your identity by uploading a photo or video. Live support is always available if you need it.
     
  3. Complete your return – Direct File will guide you through a series of questions to help you file quickly and easily. You can get support from dedicated IRS customer support specialists through a live chat feature if you need help.
     
  4. Review your return, input your payment or refund information, and submit your federal return! Direct File will email you once your return has been accepted by the IRS.
     
  5. After you complete your federal return through Direct File, you will be directed to Maine’s free filing tool, the Maine Tax Portal (revenue.maine.gov). Your information will not be transferred automatically.

For information on Maine’s filing requirements visit the Maine Revenue Services (MRS) Individual Income Tax web page at maine.gov/revenue/taxes/income-estate-tax/individual-income-tax-1040me. 

After filing your federal individual income tax return, click here to go to the free Maine Tax Portal to file a Maine Individual Income Tax Return.  Follow these quick and easy steps. 

  1. Select File an Individual Return.  For most users, this will be on the right-hand side of the screen in the Individuals box.
  1. Select File an Individual Income Tax Return for 2025.  Follow the step-by-step instructions.  You will need the following documentation: 
  • Your Federal Individual Income Tax Return (1040) for this tax year
  • Forms W-2 and 1099 containing Maine income tax withheld
  • Substantiating documents for certain credits such as the Student Loan Repayment Credit 
  1. Print a copy of your return for your records.