To the Editor:

Re “Congress to I.R.S.: Don’t Help Taxpayers” (editorial, April 11):

For years I have battled the tax preparation software industry to make filing easier, and I agree that taxpayers should not have to use private software to prepare their taxes.

When I proposed a direct-file program, the industry unleashed millions of dollars to quash my legislation, and it continues to oppose direct-file proposals. While I don’t support the Free File program, the Internal Revenue Service’s chief counsel informed my office that the Free File provision in the bipartisan Taxpayer First Act, which I co-wrote with leaders of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committees, does not bar the I.R.S. from creating its own direct-file program.

It preserves the exit clause allowing the I.R.S. to terminate the program for any reason. I would not support legislation that makes it illegal for the I.R.S. to institute a direct-file program and will work with colleagues to clarify that is not the intent of the bill.

By extending low-income tax preparation services and reducing the role of private debt collectors, this compromise bill makes meaningful progress for working families, and I will continue to work toward a direct-file system for all taxpayers.