No, Elon Musk Didn't End Free Direct File Tax Filing Program

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:
No, Musk did not eliminate the 18F website or Direct File this tax season
In recent days, a tweet from Elon Musk on X (formerly known as Twitter) stirred up quite a bit of confusion. Musk claimed to have “eliminated” 18F, the government agency responsible for technological projects like the IRS's Direct File program.
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.
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.
IRS Direct File remains despite Musk’s claim
T he IRS Direct File program, which allows eligible taxpayers in 25 states to file their taxes for free on the IRS’s website, remains operational despite recent speculation abou
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.
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.
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,
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.
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."
NorthJersey.com5d
Did Elon Musk get rid of Direct File? What is it and can you still use it in NJ?
Here's what to know. Elon Musk wrote on X on Monday that 18F, the digital consulting team who developed the IRS Direct File system, had been deleted. However, the free tax-prep program ...
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 ...
The Washington Post8d
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS' Direct File — but the free tax program is still available
As of Monday evening, 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 ...