IRS, Elon Musk and Direct File

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.
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:
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,
IRS Direct File: What you need to know now
The IRS Direct File program, which lets you prepare and file your federal return for free, is still up and running, for now.
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.
IRS Tax Filing Could Be Upended For Millions of Americans: What To Know
The Direct File program was launched to benefit over 30 million taxpayers and prompted a backlash from commercial tax prep firms who lobbied against it. If ended, taxpayers from eligible states could be forced to go private if they are above a certain income threshold.
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.
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.
Early tax refunds arriving now, but IRS saw far fewer returns filed in first week
IRS processed 15.8% fewer income tax returns in the first week of the 2025 tax season than it did a year ago. Why? What does that mean for refunds?
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS' Direct File — but the free tax program is still available
Billionaire tech mogul 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. This led to some confusion about whether Direct File is still available to taxpayers,
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 ...
Where's my IRS refund: How to check on yours online
And if you anticipate getting a hefty refund back, it may behoove you to get that process started now so you can keep an eye ...