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.

Elon Musk, head of the chaos-causing Department of Government Efficiency, made an assertion this week that raised questions in some people’s minds about the status of the IRS Direct File program. That program enables tax filers in 25 states,

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.

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

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.

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 Internal Revenue Service is accepting tax returns for tax season, including through the Direct File program.

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.

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.