Individuals in New Jersey who receive retirement income can now utilize this option.
“Direct File” program
When submitting their state and federal tax documents, the state government declared on Tuesday.
The
service, Direct File,
Is a free and secure web-based resource designed to help residents of New Jersey prepare their tax forms. Governor Phil Murphy unveiled the initiative earlier this year in January.
The expansion of the program to include individuals receiving retirement income will increase eligibility for approximately 400,000 additional residents of New Jersey.
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“Direct File has made the tax filing process easier and assisted countless residents of New Jersey, helping many save hundreds of dollars in the process,” stated Murphy.
The program provides a live chat feature designed to help individuals during the tax filing process. To be eligible, residents must have resided in New Jersey throughout 2024 and derived all their income from sources within the state. Filers may opt for direct file if they intend to maintain the same filing status across both federal and state tax returns.
The state mentioned that Direct File would be advantageous for more than a million New Jersey residents upon its initial launch in January. However, the announcement didn’t specify how many people from the Garden State have utilized the program yet for filing their taxes.
Direct File aims to assist people in reducing costs when they file their tax returns. According to the state government’s website, the IRS approximates that the expense of filing taxes amounts to roughly $160 per taxpayer.
The tool, that is available in English and in Spanish, can be used mobile devices, tablets and personal computers. Direct File started as a 12-state pilot program last year where 140,000 taxpayers claimed more than $90 million in refunds. The estimated overall saving in filing fees $5.6 million.
“We are delighted to build upon the success of Direct File, which is alleviating the pressure on tax filers as we approach the end of the filing season,” stated New Jersey Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio.
The article initially appeared on NorthJersey.com.
New Jersey broadens the Direct File online tax initiative for individuals receiving retirement income.
