Last year the Internal Revenue Service launched a program that allowed some tax filers to file their returns directly to the IRS. It was available when the 2025 filing started this year, but a social media post from Elon Musk caused some confusion over whether it was still available.

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

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.

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.

Did the world’s richest man “delete” a free federal tax service that just became available to NJ residents? Here’s what we know so far.

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 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.

Direct File and its documentation all remain live and online at the time of this reporting, so it is erroneous to say that DOGE has blocked the ability for people to use the progr

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.