Virginia Dems call on Youngkin to work with IRS to allow Direct File

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Democratic lawmakers in Virginia are urging Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to work with the federal government to make it easier and more affordable for Virginians to file their taxes.

In a letter, Senate Democrats asked Youngkin to partner with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to allow Virginians with simple tax obligations to use a new IRS program called Direct File, which allows people to file their federal taxes directly with the agency using the free, online system.

“Oftentimes, it’s costly and laborious for people to file their taxes,” Senator Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax) told 8News.

For the Commonwealth to participate, Youngkin would have to agree to allow the IRS to help guide Virginians through filing their state taxes online once their federal taxes are complete.

“It makes absolutely no sense that we should have to go through an intermediary and pad the pockets of big companies in order for us to pay our taxes to the government,” Pekarsky said.

This year, the IRS test launched the program in 12 states. They found that Direct File only took taxpayers about an hour to complete — plus, they say it saved users $5.6 million in filing fees.

“When I look at what can I do to help my constituents, [I think,] ‘How do I save them time and how do I save them money?’” said Pekarsky.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Governor Youngkin said his office is “closely following the implementation of IRS Direct File program and looking into its legal and technological implications.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.