Taxpayers can still use Direct File for free online filing

Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS' Direct File — but the free tax program is still available
The IRS has faced intense blowback to Direct File from private tax preparation companies that have made billions from charging people to use their software.
Taxpayers can still use Direct File for free online filing as of Feb. 7 | Fact check
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.
Elon Musk says he 'deleted' IRS Direct File. Can Wisconsin taxpayers still use the free service?
Elon Musk wrote on X on Monday that 18F, the digital consulting team who developed the IRS Direct File system, had been deleted.
Taxes 2025: IRS Direct File still accepting tax returns, the latest on tax refunds
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,
Did Elon Musk get rid of Direct File? What is it and can you still use it in NJ?
At this time, Direct File is still available, including in New Jersey, and may be a good option if you've lived in New Jersey for all of 2024, earned all of your income in NJ in 2024 and plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns, according to NJ Division of Taxation.
Trump, at least for now, has not terminated Direct File, the free IRS tax filing system
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:
Are Trump and Musk trying to make it tougher for normal Americans to file their taxes for free?
Is Direct File the latest government program to be targeted by President Donald Trump’s administration? Tech billionaire Elon Musk said Monday that the 18F group that helped build the Direct File initiative,
Elon Musk's X post causes confusion about whether IRS' free tax service is still available
Elon Musk created confusion on Monday with an X post that led some people to believe he had eliminated an agency that supported a free program used by Americans
No IRS Direct File in your state? No problem: These are other free options to help you file tax returns
For those not covered by Direct File, there is another free option to help file your tax returns... Direct File was released last year and proved a big success but there is another system that has been in place much longer. The IRS' Free File is open to about 70% of taxpayers in the United States and offers tax filing assistance for free.
Elon Musk Creates Confusion About Direct File, the IRS’ Free Tax-Prep Program
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.
Tax Breaks: The IRS Is Still Open For Business Edition
Plus: Trump tariffs, beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting, Earned Income Tax Credit, student loan interest ...
Elon Musk creates confusion about IRS Direct File, but the program is still available
Elon Musk posted Monday on his social media site that he had “deleted” 18F, a government agency that worked on technology ...
Elon Musk claims ‘far left’ tech team that helped build Elizabeth Warren’s tax website has been ‘deleted’
Tech titan Elon Musk announced Monday that the General Services Administration’s tech arm, 18F, has been “deleted,” appearing ...