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Virginia advocates are urging Governor Youngkin to support the IRS’s Direct File program, which could save low-income residents over $208 million annually in filing fees and reduce tax preparation time.
Virginia Calls on Governor Youngkin to Support Free Tax Filing Services for Low-Income Residents
In Virginia, advocates and lawmakers are asking Governor Glenn Youngkin to join the IRS’s Direct File program. This free online tool helps people file their taxes using simple questions. Jay Speer, CEO of the Virginia Poverty Law Center pointed out that many low-income Virginians spend a lot on tax preparation services in their neighborhoods which can be expensive. Although these services are supposed to offer free filing options and they are often hidden or hard to find, leading to unnecessary costs for people who can least afford it, according to the report of Public News Service.
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(photo: Forbes)
A Game-Changer for Low-Income Families and Taxpayers
The Direct File program could be a major help with studies showing it could save Virginians over $208 million each year in filing fees and cut down the time spent on tax preparation. Supporters believe it would give a better option for those who can’t afford expensive tax preparers and ensure that low-income families get all the tax benefits they deserve without extra costs. Governor Youngkin is currently reviewing the program and considering its potential benefits.
Many Americans feel they pay too much in taxes and get too little in return, according to a University of Chicago-Harris/AP-NORC poll. Research shows that some tax preparers are not well-trained, which can be a problem for people who need their refunds quickly. With studies showing that low-income families can spend up to 22% of their refund on tax preparation fees and the Direct File program could help lower these costs and make the filing process easier.
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