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, head of the chaos-causing Department of Government Efficiency, made an assertion this week that raised questions in some people’s minds about the status of the IRS Direct File program. That program enables tax filers in 25 states,

The IRS Direct File program, which lets you prepare and file your federal return for free, is still up and running, for now.

Billionaire Elon Musk posted on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, an agency that worked on the IRS’ Direct File program.

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,

This should be a banner year for taxpayers seeking free tax-preparation. But one key IRS program is under fire.

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.

Filing taxes in the United States is a crucial annual task for most citizens and permanent residents. Understanding the requirements and deadlines can help you avoid penalties and maximize your deductions.

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.

Discover how the expanded IRS Direct File program can simplify your tax filing process this 2025 season, offering a free, secure, and efficient way to submit your federal tax returns.