Senator Elizabeth Warren used a commercial tax preparation service to file her 2023 tax return despite publicly promoting the Internal Revenue Service's free Direct File program, according to records obtained by Fox News.

Warren had been a vocal supporter of the IRS Direct File pilot program, which launched in 2024 and was available to eligible taxpayers in Massachusetts and 11 other states. The senator previously criticized commercial tax preparation companies and advocated for expanded free government filing options.

Records show that Warren filed her taxes through a commercial service rather than utilizing the Direct File system when it became available in her home state of Massachusetts. The Direct File program allows eligible taxpayers with simple tax situations to prepare and submit their returns directly through the IRS website at no cost.

The IRS launched Direct File as a pilot program in select states during the 2024 tax filing season. The program is designed to provide a free alternative to commercial tax preparation services for taxpayers with straightforward tax situations, including those who take the standard deduction and have common forms of income.

Warren's office has not responded to requests for comment regarding her choice to use a commercial tax service instead of the government program she had promoted. The senator has previously argued that free government filing would save taxpayers money and reduce reliance on commercial tax preparation companies.