IRS Direct File officially launches, offering free tax filing in these 12 states

A U.S. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 1040 Individual Income Tax form is on display. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The IRS has officially launched its electronic system for filing tax returns, now available in 12 states.

Direct File is a new free online tool. Taxpayers in the selected states  who have very simple W-2s and claim a standard deduction may be eligible to use it this tax season to file their federal income taxes.

This story will be updated