Astoria, OR – Oregonians seeking help with filing their taxes electronically this season can find free assistance at local libraries across the state. Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be on hand in 17 different communities throughout February, March, and April, offering support to taxpayers using the IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon systems to file their federal and state returns at no cost.
The free filing assistance is part of a broader effort to ensure Oregonians can easily access the new IRS Direct File system, which has been expanded and made permanent for the 2025 tax season. Last year, a limited pilot program allowed over 140,000 taxpayers in 12 states to use the IRS Direct File system for their federal returns, while nearly 7,000 Oregonians took advantage of the state-only Direct File Oregon option.
This year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury made the IRS Direct File system a permanent fixture, inviting all 50 states to participate. Oregon was one of the first states to accept the invitation, joining 13 others in offering a seamless free filing system for both federal and state taxes.
The Oregon Department of Revenue estimates that approximately 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be eligible to file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025. With the two systems now integrated, the state hopes to increase the number of individuals who file and claim valuable tax credits, particularly among low-income families.
For many taxpayers, using the new system could lead to significant financial benefits. According to the IRS, approximately one in five eligible Oregon taxpayers do not claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a crucial benefit for low-income households. Some estimates suggest that the amount of unclaimed EITC credits in Oregon has totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.
To make use of the free filing service, taxpayers should first verify their eligibility using the IRS eligibility checker. They will need to create an online account with both the IRS and Oregon’s Revenue Online before attending a filing event. Those planning to attend a clinic should bring necessary documentation, such as their W-2 forms, social security numbers, and any relevant tax information.
Dates, times, and locations for the tax assistance clinics are available on the Oregon Department of Revenue’s website. Taxpayers are encouraged to check for events near them and prepare in advance to take full advantage of this no-cost tax filing opportunity.
