A new tool will allow many taxpayers in Kansas to electronically file their taxes directly with the Internal Revenue Service this year at no cost.

Filing taxes can be both costly and time-consuming; The U.S. Department of Treasury reports that, on average, taxpayers spend about 13 hours and $270 a year on tax preparation.

The free Direct File program — which is available in 25 states — offers an alternative by allowing certain individuals to file their taxes directly with the IRS. It uses a step-by-step checklist to walk filers through the process and is designed to simplify the process of filing taxes.

“A lot of times, when you think about filing your taxes, we all just sort of go through the motions,” Stephanie Bonin, senior strategist at the Economic Security Project, said. “For many of us, (there’s) a lot of anxiety around it, but it’s just this thing we have to do.”

Bonin and her team at the Economic Security Project advocate for programs to reduce economic inequality, and she said this tool could put more money in the hands of low- to medium-income people who need it most.

The tool was launched as a limited pilot program last year in select states, and this year is expanding to more, including Kansas. Here are some answers to questions about how to use the Direct File tool this tax season.

Am I eligible for Direct File?

There are several requirements for using Direct File that have to do with the type of income you’ve earned, savings accounts, contributions to certain retirement plans and more. Individuals can find out if they qualify by completing a five-question survey at directfile.irs.gov.

Among the other requirements, people using Direct File must have resided for a certain amount of time in one of the 25 states where the program is available, including Kansas. Direct File cannot be used by individuals who did not reside in one of those states for the entire year of 2024.

The Direct File website says that Direct File may be a good option for you if you’ve earned all your income in Kansas in 2024; plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns; and have filed in Kansas in each of the past three years.

How do I use the tool?

People who are eligible can create an account with the IRS by going to directfile.irs.gov. The website will ask to verify your identity by uploading a photo or video.

Direct File will then walk filers through a series of questions to fill out their returns. If you need help, you will be able to speak with customer support staff through a live chat feature. After you file, the tool will let you review your return, input payment or refund information and, finally, submit the return.

Direct File will notify you via email once your return has been accepted. For people who need to file a state return, Direct File will connect people with their state’s online filing tool to help them get started. In many cases, Direct File users can even import their federal return data directly to their state tool.

How much money could I save with Direct File?

The Economic Security Project estimates that once Direct File has fully rolled out, it will save the average user $160 annually in filing fees and hours of their time, which is the indirect expenses incurred when an activity takes longer than anticipated. In total, the Economic Security Project predicts this tool could save Americans around $11 billion a year. Additionally, by removing obstacles to filing, it could provide up to $12 billion each year in extra tax credits to low-income families who are currently missing out.

In Kansas, where around 410,000 people will be eligible to use Direct File, the tool is projected to save around $169 million in filing fees and hours of their time each year.

When and how can I access the tool?

Direct File could be available as early as late January. You can stay in the loop by signing up for the Direct File newsletter at directfile.irs.gov, which will let you know when you can use Direct File.

Direct File is available in both English and Spanish. Eligible taxpayers can access it using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

If I’m not eligible, what can I do?

If you do not qualify for the Direct File tool, there are other electronic options available to file a tax return. To explore those options, visit irs.gov/filing/e-file-options.