No, Elon Musk Didn't End Free Direct File Tax Filing Program

No, Elon Musk Didn't End the Free Direct File Tax Filing Program, for Now
There was widespread confusion after the Tesla CEO claimed the program, which allows Americans to file their taxes straight to the IRS, had been "deleted."
Was IRS Direct File 'deleted'? How to file taxes for free in 2025
Tax season can be stressful from gathering all the required documents to finding a trusted place to file. Here are some options for filing for free.
IRS Direct File: A guide to understanding the free tax preparation service
The Internal Revenue Service launched a pilot program last year that allows people to file their taxes directly with the federal government for free. This project is known as Direct File and has since expanded to 25 states.
Trump, at least for now, has not terminated Direct File, the free IRS tax filing system
In early February 2025, claims emerged that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, had terminated, or planned to terminate, a program — Direct File — run by the IRS that allows (some) citizens to file individual tax returns for free:
Elon Musk says he 'deleted' IRS Direct File. Can Wisconsin taxpayers still use the free service?
Elon Musk wrote on X on Monday that 18F, the digital consulting team who developed the IRS Direct File system, had been deleted.
IRS’ Direct File Makes It Easier For Families To Claim Tax Credits
Most people who are eligible for tax credits claim them. Direct File—the IRS’s online tool for filing tax returns—could get more eligible filers to claim EITCs and CTCs.
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS Direct File, but the program is still available
Elon Musk posted Monday on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS’ Direct File program.
Elon Musk 'deleted' IRS Direct File: Should taxpayers worry about their tax returns?
Elon Musk posted that the IRS Direct File group had been "deleted," prompting confusion about the free tax prep service's future.
IRS Direct File: What should we expect from its status with the arrival of Elon Musk?
The IRS Direct File program is revolutionizing tax filing for millions of Americans by offering a no-cost, streamlined process for uncomplicated returns. Despite its benefits, the program faces opposition from private tax-preparation companies and political figures.
Elon Musk Creates Confusion About Direct File, the IRS’ Free Tax-Prep Program
Though the billionaire presidential adviser created confusion when he said he’d “deleted” the agency behind it, the free filing program is still available—at least for the coming tax season.
Can I still use Direct File to file my taxes? Elon Musk social post causes confusion
Direct File, a system that allows people in some states to file directly with the IRS for free, is in fact still available, despite Musk posting cryptic messages on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
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