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.
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.
Tax Season 2025 Is Underway: 'Enhanced' Direct File Comes to More States
An "enhanced" version of the IRS' Direct File program launched this year, with availability in roughly twice as many states as last year.
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.
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.
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.
File Taxes for Free: How the IRS Free File Program Really Works
With the 2025 tax season underway, Free File could be just what you need to get your taxes done early and only for $0.
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.
USA Today4d
Taxpayers can still use Direct File for free online filing as of Feb. 7 | Fact check
A Feb. 3 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) claims an IRS service that helped taxpayers file their taxes for free online is no longer available. “Thanks to DOGE, millions of Americans ...
News Tribune4d
Millions More People Can Now File Taxes Directly to the IRS — for Free. Here’s How
IRS Direct File is back again this year with significantly expanded eligibility despite confusion over whether Elon Musk had “deleted” it. (He didn’t.) Money; Getty Images This tax season ...
Columbus Dispatch11d
IRS Direct File program now open. Who’s eligible, how to file your taxes for free in Florida
The Internal Revenue Service's new free online Direct File service is open for business. Last year, more than 20,000 Florida taxpayers took advantage of the pilot program that allowed taxpayers ...
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 ...