The IRS has open-sourced its Direct File software, a free tax filing program, as TurboTax's parent company, Intuit, intensifies lobbying efforts to halt it. Concurrently, a bill backed by former President Trump seeks to terminate the program, raising concerns about the future of free tax filing services.

Direct File, praised for its ease of use and efficiency, was utilized by approximately 140,803 taxpayers during a limited pilot. Despite positive feedback, the program faces opposition from commercial tax preparers and political figures, highlighting the tension between public services and private interests.

Intuit has spent over $46.2 million on federal lobbying since 2003 to prevent the IRS from offering its own free tax filing services.