OMAHA - Nebraska congressional Republicans Adrian Smith and Don Bacon are being criticized for a letter that asks President-elect Donald Trump to end the IRS’s direct file program.

In a press release Tuesday, Rep. Smith cites a “shaky rollout” for the program and references his suspicions that the IRS would audit accounts for political reasons.

The IRS describes direct file as historic. It allows taxpayers to file tax returns online for free.

A Nebraska Examiner story in April said direct file is an alternative to private filing software. Opponents say it will reduce business for software companies and professional tax preparers.

It was opposed by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office on claims that included its threat to the livelihoods of tax preparers.

States also worry that people who direct file with the federal government will not also separately file their state income taxes.

Smith’s press release also indicates that direct file will result in direct audit relationships between taxpayers and the government.

Smith: “We should act now to end Direct File to protect Americans from further overreach.”

Nebraska For Us issued a press release today saying the option for free filing of income taxes would save the average user $160 a year.

The coalition says the Nebraska representatives are siding with large corporations rather than helping the working class that could save hundreds of millions in filing fees.

https://adriansmith.house.gov/media/press-releases/smith-edwards-colleagues-call-day-one-elimination-irs-direct-file

https://www.nebraskaforus.org/