IRS makes free online filing program permanent

The free online tax filing program piloted this year by the IRS will be made permanent and its scope will be expanded, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced Thursday.

Known as “Direct File,” the online platform will be integrated with state tax systems and expanded beyond the limited number of deductions that it can currently process, Yellen and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters.

“We’re making Direct File — the new product we piloted this year...