Economic Security Project, Economic Security Project Launches Future of Tax Filing Fellowship to Drive Next-Gen Civic Tech and Benefits Access:

Economic Security Project (ESP) announces a new fellowship focused on the future of tax filing, civic tech, and benefits equity. Launching in the wake of the Trump administration’s decision to sunset IRS Direct File—one of the most popular civic tech pilots in recent memory—this new initiative brings together technologists, policy experts, and equity-driven strategists to preserve hard-won progress and accelerate new ideas that make government work better for everyone.

“We’re at an inflection point. People are ready for government that works—and we’ve seen what that can look like,” said Taylor Jo Isenberg, Executive Director of Economic Security Project. “IRS Direct File showed what’s possible when we invest in public infrastructure that puts people first. This fellowship is about building on that momentum to create tangible solutions that meet real needs.”

Direct File earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, with  98% reporting satisfaction and a Net Promoter Score of +84. If fully implemented, it was projected to save families up to $23 billion annually in fees, time, and recovered tax credits. In its pilot phase, it helped hundreds of thousands of Americans file their taxes for free—quickly, simply, and without cost.  Yet, despite these outcomes, the administration has chosen to shut down the tool—underscoring the need to preserve its legacy and plan what comes next.

The Future of Tax Filing Fellowship will bring together experts with backgrounds in tax policy to preserve Direct File’s legacy and explore new opportunities for public-interest technology that advances equity, accessibility, and impact

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