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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

The IRS’ free tax-preparation program remains a free option for taxpayers this year, but the fate of a group of government technologists that helped develop it is less certain.

Elon Musk posted that the IRS Direct File group had been "deleted," prompting confusion about the free tax prep service's future.

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, which allows taxpayers to file their tax returns directly with the federal government, was launched as a pilot program in 12 states during the 2024 tax season.

The Tesla CEO caused a stir after claiming the program, which allows Americans to file their taxes straight to the IRS, had been "deleted."