The free tax-filing platform that the Internal Revenue Service launched this year handled more returns than its initial goal, saved Americans millions in tax-filing fees and left many users feeling satisfied,

The IRS said Friday that more than 140,000 taxpayers filed their taxes through its new direct file pilot program and participants saved roughly $5.6 million in fees they would have otherwise spent with commercial tax preparation companies.

Commissioner Danny Werfel said an announcement on the electronic filing program’s future will come later this spring.

The Direct File website processed more than 140,000 returns, exceeding a goal announced in March.

If there’s one thing we should be able to agree upon, it’s that everyone should pay the taxes they owe without having to pay for the privilege of doing so. This year, for the first time, residents of

IRS says more than 140,000 Americans filed their taxes free using its Direct File pilot but industry critics say the program's unnecessary and costly.

This season, the IRS Direct File pilot helped more than 140,000 million taxpayers file taxes for free and saved $5.6 million in tax prep fees.