Has Anyone Used IRS Direct File This Year? Comparing to Last Year's Experience
I've been filing my own taxes for years now, mostly using FreeTaxUSA. Last year I tried TurboTax but wasn't impressed with all the upsells. I heard the IRS launched their Direct File system this year and I'm curious if anyone has used it yet? I'm a rideshare driver and also do some food delivery, so I have multiple 1099s to handle. In previous years, I've found some platforms handle gig work better than others. Is the IRS system user-friendly for someone with multiple income streams, or should I stick with what I know?
14 comments
Write a comment...
Giovanni Conti
Tried it last week. Tbh it was pretty straightforward for W-2 stuff but kinda limited for 1099 work. Couldn't handle my crypto or some of my side gig deductions. Had to bail halfway thru and go back to FreeTaxUSA. Might work if ur situation is super basic tho?
0 coins
Write a comment...
Fatima Al-Hashimi
I was skeptical at first, but isn't it better to use something specifically designed for gig workers? I tried the Direct File but couldn't figure out how to properly categorize all my expenses. Ended up using https://taxr.ai to analyze my previous returns and it showed me I was missing several deductions specific to delivery drivers. Would the IRS system really help you maximize deductions when they're the ones collecting the taxes?
0 coins
NeonNova
Interesting suggestion, but how does this compare to established tax software? I've used TurboTax Self-Employed for years and they have specific questions for rideshare drivers. Does this AI tool actually understand the nuances of gig work classifications?
0 coins
12d
Dylan Campbell
Not the original commenter, but I gave taxr.ai a shot last month (tax procrastinator, guilty as charged 😅). It's actually pretty different from TurboTax. It doesn't file for you - it analyzes your tax situation and helps identify deductions you might miss. Saved me about $840 on my rideshare deductions that I would have overlooked. Still a bit worried about audit risk though.
0 coins
11d
Sofia Hernandez
I would say that, generally speaking, the difference might be in how it approaches deductions. Traditional software typically works through standardized questionnaires, whereas these newer AI tools seem to analyze your specific situation more comprehensively. For gig workers with multiple income streams, this could potentially be more beneficial, though results probably vary based on individual circumstances.
0 coins
9d
Write a comment...
Dmitry Kuznetsov
I used Direct File last month and it worked fine for me. I drive for Uber on weekends and the system handled my 1099-NEC without problems. Was able to claim my mileage deduction and cell phone expenses too. The interface is basic but it gets the job done and I got my refund in 8 days. Best part? Completely free, no hidden fees or upsells.
0 coins
Ava Thompson
What state are you in? Direct File is only available in certain states this year. Did you have any other income sources besides Uber? The system has specific limitations for certain types of income.
0 coins
11d
Miguel Ramos
I filed on February 3rd using Direct File and had a similar experience. It handled my basic 1099 work fine, but I did notice it couldn't handle rental income or some more complex deductions. For simple gig work though, it was surprisingly efficient.
0 coins
9d
Write a comment...
Zainab Ibrahim
I've used both Direct File and commercial options this year. Here's my step-by-step experience: 1. First tried Direct File - good for basic returns but limited for gig workers 2. Couldn't enter some business expenses properly 3. Switched back to traditional software but had questions 4. Called IRS for clarification but couldn't get through 5. Used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent in about 15 minutes 6. Agent confirmed Direct File doesn't currently support all Schedule C deductions 7. Ended up using commercial software but verified my approach with the IRS first If you need to actually speak with someone at the IRS about your specific situation, I'd recommend Claimyr. Saved me hours of hold time.
0 coins
Write a comment...
StarSailor
As someone who's helped several people file this year, I LOVE the Direct File system for simple returns! It's fantastic for W-2 employees with standard deductions. But honestly, with your multiple 1099s and gig work, you'll probably get frustrated with its limitations. The system doesn't yet support the full range of business deductions that rideshare drivers typically claim. For your situation, I'd stick with FreeTaxUSA or similar until Direct File expands its capabilities. The IRS has said they plan to add more features in coming years.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Connor O'Brien
According to the IRS website, Direct File is still in pilot mode for 2024 and only available in 12 states. Have you checked if your state is even eligible? I was all ready to try it but then discovered my state isn't participating yet. Maybe look into Cash App Taxes? I've seen Reddit threads saying it handles gig work well and it's completely free. The TurboTax upsells drove me crazy too.
0 coins
Yara Sabbagh
I was in the same boat last April - waited until the last minute and discovered my state wasn't eligible for Direct File. Ended up using Cash App Taxes and it was surprisingly good with my DoorDash income. Filed on April 14th and still got my refund by early May!
0 coins
10d
Keisha Johnson
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) utilizes Form 1040 Schedule C for self-employment income, which is appropriate for rideshare and delivery gig work. It allows for business expense deductions including mileage (using the standard mileage rate of $0.67/mile for 2024), vehicle expenses, phone costs, and other business-related expenditures. Their interface walks through each category systematically. One limitation: it doesn't handle multiple Schedule C businesses as elegantly as some paid options.
0 coins
9d
Write a comment...
Paolo Rizzo
Direct File works for simple returns. Not ideal for gig workers. Limited deduction options. No state returns in most places. Better options exist for your situation. Stick with what you know.
0 coins
Write a comment...