What is Direct File?

Direct File is a simple and secure way to file your federal and state taxes for free. The tool is available in English and Spanish and offers live-chat assistance in both languages. Direct File will be available to more than a third of North Carolina taxpayers for the 2025 filing season.

Who is it for?

In North Carolina Direct File is available to:

  • Taxpayers who lived in North Carolina for the entire year and earned all their income in North Carolina
  • Taxpayers who claim the North Carolina standard deduction amount
  • Taxpayers who claim common North Carolina deductions like the child deduction

Federal eligibility is determined by the IRS. Direct File supports:

  • Common sources of income (W-2 wages, interest, social security payments, and unemployment benefits)
  • The federal standard deduction amount
  • Common federal tax credits (Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Premium Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit)

How does it work?

  • Confirm your eligibility using the IRS eligibility checker
  • Once you've filed your federal tax return using IRS Direct File, you will be guided to a preparation and filing tool called FileYourStateTaxes to complete your North Carolina return

 Go to Direct File

Other Filing Options 

If Direct File is not an option for you, here are other ways to file:

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