An "enhanced" version of the IRS' Direct File program launched this year, with availability in roughly twice as many states as last year.

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:

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.

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

There was widespread confusion after the Tesla CEO claimed the program, which allows Americans to file their taxes straight to the IRS, had been "deleted."

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers in Arizona that they can file their taxes quickly, easily and for free directly with the agency using IRS Direct File.

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.

Elon Musk wrote on X on Monday that 18F, the digital consulting team who developed the IRS Direct File system, had been deleted.

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.