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.

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,

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 is back again this year with significantly expanded eligibility despite confusion over whether Elon Musk had “deleted” it. (He didn’t.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.