Taxpayers can still use Direct File for free online filing as of Feb. 7 | Fact check
Though some social media users interpreted Elon Musk's X post as meaning the service was closed, its website remained active as of Feb. 7.
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS' Direct File — but the free tax program is still available
The IRS has faced intense blowback to Direct File from private tax preparation companies that have made billions from charging people to use their software.
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:
Did DOGE really ‘delete’ the tech division that helped create the IRS Direct File free tax filing service?
Elon Musk, head of the chaos-causing Department of Government Efficiency, made an assertion this week that raised questions in some people’s minds about the status of the IRS Direct File program. That program enables tax filers in 25 states,
Has Elon Musk Shut Down a Free Online Tax Tool?
Musk said that 18F agency that supports free Direct File tax filing for Americans has been deleted – but it's still accepting returns.
Musk Says Group That Built IRS Direct File Was ‘Deleted,’ but Program Is Still Available
The IRS’ free tax-preparation program remains a free option for taxpayers this year, but the fate of a group of government technologists that helped develop it is less certain.
Elon Musk's X post causes confusion about whether IRS' free tax service is still available
Elon Musk created confusion on Monday with an X post that led some people to believe he had eliminated an agency that supported a free program used by Americans
Elon Musk claims he ‘deleted’ the IRS Direct File agency, but is the free tax program is still available?
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk posted on his social media site that he has “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS's Direct File program. This led to some confusion about whether Direct File is still available to taxpayers this season.
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.
Elon Musk claims ‘far left’ tech team that helped build Elizabeth Warren’s tax website has been ‘deleted’
Tech titan Elon Musk announced Monday that the General Services Administration’s tech arm has been “deleted,” appearing to ...
Government Technology2d
What’s New in Digital Equity: Meet Trump’s NTIA Lead
Plus, Elon Musk has made a cryptic statement about the future of GSA’s 18F team and the Direct File program, Maryland has ...
Live updates: China retaliates against Trump with tariffs of their own
President Donald Trump's tariffs against China have gone into effect. China has retaliated with tariffs against U.S. oil.