Taxpayers can still use Direct File for free online filing

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:
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.
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,
Musk boasts he shut down free online tax program but it's still available
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk posted on X that he had eliminated 18F, a government group that developed the ‘Direct File’ IRS program so Americans could file their taxes for free
Taxes 2025: IRS Direct File still accepting tax returns, the latest on tax refunds
The Internal Revenue Service is accepting tax returns for tax season 2025, including through the expanded Direct File program. Why it matters: There's been some confusion on the status of the free online tax-filing program after Elon Musk posted on X Monday that he had "deleted" 18F,
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.
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.
Are Trump and Musk trying to make it tougher for normal Americans to file their taxes for free?
Is Direct File the latest government program to be targeted by President Donald Trump’s administration? Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Monday that the 18F group that helped build the Direct File initiative,
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.
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.
Tax Breaks: The IRS Is Still Open For Business Edition
Plus: Trump tariffs, beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting, Earned Income Tax Credit, student loan interest ...
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Elon Musk Creates Confusion About Direct File, the IRS’ Free Tax-Prep Program
18F’s website was still operational, as was the Direct File website. But the digital services agency’s X account was deleted. The IRS announced last year that it will make the free electronic ...
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, 18F, has been “deleted,” appearing ...