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

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.
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:
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
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.
Elon Musk claims he ‘deleted’ the IRS Direct File agency, but is the free tax program is still available?
Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk posted on his social media site that he has “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology projects such as the IRS's Direct File program. This led to some confusion about whether Direct File is still available to taxpayers this season.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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 ...
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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 ...