The IRS is shutting down its free online system for filing tax returns, a program that the Biden administration introduced last year and that users gave high marks.

The fate of the program, Direct File, had become increasingly uncertain, given Republican criticism. But a recent report from the Treasury Department made clear that the agency would suspend the offering and suggested that the IRS focus its efforts on its other free programs, particularly Free File, a partnership with a collection of commercial providers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is also the acting IRS commissioner, confirmed the plan outside the White House on Wednesday, saying the program was halted because it wasn’t widely used. “And we think the private sector can do a better job,” he said.

Direct File faced

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