No, Elon Musk Didn’t End the Free Direct File Tax Filing Program, for Now
Elon Musk claims office responsibility this week Direct files for IRS The tax return plan has been “deleted”, but the plan has not disappeared for the time being and you can now use it safely.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk and others have become close advisers to President Donald Trump, who appoints businessmen to lead the government’s Department of Efficiency (or Multigates), or one Free-turning organization focused on cutting federal programs and spending. Musk entered his X platform (formerly Twitter) Monday night, responding to a post by right-wing influencers involving direct file plans, noting that it was over.
“The group has been deleted.” Musk wrote, No explanation.
Among many other federal programs, the potential disruption to tax filing is when Americans turn their attention to tax issues. The IRS begins accepting tax returns on January 27 and will continue to pass the April 15 tradition Most applicants.
Regardless of what Musk and about what can be done, direct files are still available through it IRS official website For residents of 25 states, it has been launched so far. While it is not clear what might happen to the service in the near future, the IRS representative responded to a CNET investigation that tax returns that have been filed through direct archives will be considered any other reward and should not be subject to any changes. Impact the program.
What is a direct file?
The IRS first launched direct documents in 12 states in 2024 as a service that allows taxpayers to submit their annual proceeds directly to the agency for free and extends earlier but less fulfilling free documents Serve. Musk’s claim to cancel the plan has attracted many attention and confusion because the service is generally well-received.
The program is also expanding in 2025 and has new features and availability in 25 states. Whether it will be available at the end of the tax season remains to be seen.
Trump administration’s moves, including an indefinite hiring freeze at the IRS, raise concerns about whether tax returns will slow down this year, but those concerns There seems to be no basis for the time being.
Will the direct file disappear?
Jassen Bowman, an agent and all tax expert for admission to the IRS, talked to CNET via email communication, noting that the agency and the new Trump-appointed new Finance Minister Scott Bessent is committed to keeping the program going for at least the 2025 season. . However, given the current confusion, the short-term future is unclear and may be subject to unstable decisions, so anyone interested in using it this year should
“That is, in Washington, things have become somewhat unpredictable, so it’s always possible for the government to decide to pull the plan,” Bowman wrote. “My advice for people who are eligible for direct documents is to use it, but please Keep a copy of everything they submit after processing.
How to use direct files safely this year?
Regarding whether the program will appear for the rest of the 2025 tax season, Bowman should take direct file details about taxpayers choosing to use this step this year.
“Anyone who uses direct documents for their 2024 tax returns should closely monitor the status of the returns,” Bauman explained. “The processing should be less than a few days. Most importantly, don’t discard those W-2s and Other documents. Instead, keep all documents you use to file your return and keep a copy of the tax return itself.
