Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS Direct File

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.
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 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.
Did Elon Musk get rid of Direct File? What is it and can you still use it in NJ?
At this time, Direct File is still available, including in New Jersey, and may be a good option if you've lived in New Jersey for all of 2024, earned all of your income in NJ in 2024 and plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns, according to NJ Division of Taxation.
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.
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,
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.
Musk stirs up confusion about the status of IRS Direct File program
Direct File, which allows taxpayers to file their tax returns directly with the federal government, was launched as a pilot program in 12 states during the 2024 tax season.
IRS Direct File Still Working This Tax Season Despite Musk’s Comments
Musk posted on Twitter that he had “deleted” 18F, the group responsible for creating Direct File. That caused some to incorrectly report that the program had been axed.
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,
No IRS Direct File in your state? No problem: These are other free options to help you file tax returns
For those not covered by Direct File, there is another free option to help file your tax returns... Direct File was released last year and proved a big success but there is another system that has been in place much longer. The IRS' Free File is open to about 70% of taxpayers in the United States and offers tax filing assistance for free.
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS’ Direct File — but the free tax program is still available
Billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, an agency that worked on the IRS’ Direct ...
IRS Tax Filing Could Be Upended For Millions of Americans: What To Know
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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 ...
Intuit shares recovered on Elon Musk tweet, says Mizuho
Mizuho analyst Siti Panigrahi says a tweet from Elon Musk suggesting 18F, a technology group that helped build the Internal Revenue Service’s ...