No, Elon Musk has not finished its free direct file tax return program so far
Elon Musk caused quite a stir this week when he claimed he was responsible. IRS Direct Files The tax return application program was “deleted”, but the program hasn’t actually gone for the time being, and for now you are using it safely.
Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has emerged as a close adviser to President Donald Trump, who appointed a businessman to lead government efficiency (or Doge), among other companies. And spending. Taking him to his X platform (formerly Twitter) on Monday night, Musk responded to a post from a right-wing influencer who was directly touching the file program and said he had finished.
“The group has been deleted.” Musk wrote, No refinement.
Among many other federal programs, potential disruptions in tax returns occur in the same way that Americans are paying attention to tax issues. The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on January 27th and will continue to accept them throughout the traditional April 15th. Most filers.
Whatever musk and doge are doing, the direct file remains available through it Official IRS Web Page For residents of 25 states that have been deployed so far. It is unclear what will happen to the service in the near future, but IRS representatives responding to inquiries from CNET said that tax returns already filed via direct file will be treated as other returns, and He said the changes should not be affected. program.
What is a direct file?
The direct file was first deployed by the IRS in 12 states in 2024, allowing taxpayers to submit their annual returns directly to agents for free. Musk’s claims about repealing the programme have caused concern and confusion among many, as the service was generally well received.
The program was expanded into 2025, with new features and availability in 25 states. It is still unknown if it will be available by the end of the tax season.
The Trump administration’s move, including an indefinite employment freeze in the IRS, has sparked concerns about whether tax returns will slow down this year, but these concerns It seems there is no basis for the time being.
Will the file be removed directly?
Speaking to CNET via email, Jassen Bowman, an IRS registered agent and all tax expert, said that both the agency and the new Trump mission Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were also in the 2025 edition. He said he has pledged to maintain the filing season. . However, given the current state of confusion, it is interesting to use it this year as the short-term future is not clear and the short-term future could be exposed to unstable decisions. Anyone should
“That being said, things are becoming a little more unpredictable in Washington, so there is always a chance that the administration can decide to pull the program,” Bowman writes. “My advice to anyone who is entitled to use a direct file is to use it, but I will closely monitor the status of the return when it is processed and, of course, keep all copies submitted .”
How can I use files safely this year?
As for whether the program will exist for the rest of the 2025 tax season, Bowman has detailed the steps that taxpayers will need to use the file directly if they choose to use it this year.
“Anyone who uses files directly on his 2024 tax returns should closely monitor the status of his return,” explained Bowman. “The process doesn’t take days. Plus, don’t throw away these W-2s and other documents. Instead, keep all the documents you used to file your return and file your tax return. Keep a copy of the book itself.